Tylenol and Liver Damage
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Millions of Americans, both children and adults, take Acetaminophen, which is the generic form of Tylenol, to relieve pain, reduce fever, and fight the symptoms of cold and flu. It is presently the most common pain reliever in the country. However, within the last couple of years, reports have surfaced saying that Acetaminophen could possibly cause liver damage.
Acetaminophen is a very effective medicine in killing pain. However, serious liver damage can occur if individuals exceed the recommended dosage. Most cases of liver damage occur after an intentional or suicidal overdose of the medicine. However, normal doses of the drug can also cause liver damage in various circumstances. Acetaminophen, no matter how much is taken, can produce elevations of liver enzymes in the blood suggesting damage to the liver. In fact, Acetaminophen liver damage is one of the leading causes of liver failure in the United States. It attributes to almost 60,000 emergency room visits, 2,000 hospitalizations, and over 400 deaths each year.
Like most forms of medicine, Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver. In certain circumstances, the normal processing pathway is obstructed and a toxic metabolic byproduct is created that kills liver cells. When encountering Acetaminophen liver damage, a person will have nausea and vomiting for up to 24 hours. Then, the next day or two, they feel better. However, after that, liver enzyme levels begin to rise, indicating liver damage. In very extreme instances, a person might acquire acid buildup in the blood, severe bleeding, and a coma. When this happens, only a liver transplant will help. There is an antidote available, but it should be taken less than 16 hours after taking the medicine and some people do not realize that they could have Acetaminophen poisoning.
Some people are more susceptible to liver damage than others. In order to prevent Acetaminophen poisoning, people can do several things. First, they should stick to the recommended dosage and should not take the maximum amount specified for the day all in one dose. Individuals should not take the medicine for more than 10 days in a row. In addition, people with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis should avoid Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen can also cause liver damage if a person takes it while consuming alcohol. Individuals who drink often could be more at risk for liver damage even if they do not take the drug while they are drinking. Some people have trouble recalling how much of the medicine that they have taken, so it is a good idea to write it down. Individuals need to check with their doctor if they are taking other medications in order to ensure that the combinations do not have harmful effects.
People who think that they might have Acetaminophen liver damage need to get to the doctor immediately. It would also be a good idea to call poison control if they think that they have ingested too much of the medicine. Individuals need to speak to their doctor if they are concerned about the effects of taking Acetaminophen.
