Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a drug found in Tylenol and other over the counter pain relievers. It is used to treat mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds, sore throats, toothaches and backaches. It is also used to reduce fever and pain from osteoarthritis.

Acetaminophen works by changing the way the body senses pain and reducing fever by cooling the body. Tylenol and other drugs come in a variety of forms, from oral pills to suspension and more.

Acetaminophen has been linked to liver damage when taken in large doses. Chronic use or concomitant use with alcohol and other drugs has been said to cause serious liver damage. Chronic alcohol use has been also been said to increase the risk of stomach bleeding.

A Tylenol warning was issued after a research report was published by the American Medical Association. Researchers at the University of North Carolina discovered numerous adverse health effects from taking Acetaminophen.

Some health effects that were discovered were:

• Liver damage can occur after taking Tylenol for only four days
• 44 percent of Acetaminophen users showed signs of liver enzyme abnormalities
• Acetaminophen may account for up to 50 percent of liver injury cases
• Risk of overdose occurs when dieting, drinking alcohol or mixing medications

Side effects may include:

• Rash
• Hives
• Itching
• Swelling of face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles and lower legs
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing