What Side Effects May Result From Long-Term Use / High Doses Of Acetaminophen?

Question: What Side Effects May Result From Long-Term Use / High Doses Of Acetaminophen?

Acetaminophen is a popular over-the-counter analgesic painkiller used for pain relief. Brand name drugs that contain acetaminophen include:

• Tylenol
• Panadol
• Tylenol Arthritis
• Excedrin

Acetaminophen is commonly found in many over-the-counter pain relief products. Acetaminophen is often used in combination with other narcotic pain medications.

What are the possible side effects and consequences from longterm use of acetaminophen? What are the safety issues when using high doses of acetaminophen?

Answer:

Acetaminophen Safety

Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tylenol Arthritis, Excedrin, and many others) is a very effective analgesic that has world wide distribution. For many years this drug has demonstrated an excellent overall safety profile.

The Facts Of Analgesics (Painkillers)

Potential For Liver / Kidney Toxicity

Despite universal acceptance, references have been reported of potential liver and kidney toxicity. These warning reports should alert all users of Tylenol, particularly those who chronically use maximum doses of the drug, to these serious risk factors. Fortunately, patient awareness and routine liver and kidney profile testing will discover any organ abnormality.

Use Caution With Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

Proper Dose / Monitoring

In those patients who depend on the drug for comfort and relief, there is no need to be overly concerned about safety, or to consider discontinuing the medication, as long as the daily dose does not exceed the bottle label, and appropriate laboratory testing continues to demonstrate normal liver and kidney function.

Blood Tests Used To Monitor Effectiveness / Toxicity Of Arthritis Treatments

A Fatal Mistake: Teenager Dies From Acetaminophen Overdose

A Mother's Plea: The Dangers of Acetaminophen Overdose

Related Resources

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tylenol Arthritis, Excedrin)
• Pain Medications (Analgesics)
• When Are Pain Medications Appropriate For Arthritis Patients?
• Over-The-Counter Drugs

_{Source: Answer provided by the late Dr. Raymond Federman, aka Dr. Bones, who passed away on September 2, 2003. The care of his patients even in retirement was always his joy.}