Use Tylenol the right way to avoid liver injury
Acetaminophen (better known as Tylenol or paracetamol) is the most widely purchased over the counter medication for acute pains and fevers. It is also the most common cause of acute liver failure in the US.
This is why it’s so important to know your over the counter medications!
Acetaminophen (advice for folks 18 years and older)
How it works: No one really knows! The theory is that Tylenol activates a system in the nervous system that helps reduce pain and fever.
History: Discovered by accident when a scientist studying a cure of worms was given the wrong chemical and noticed it reduced fever. It was first used in 1893 and became widespread in the US around the 1950s.
What to use it for: Pain and fever.
Appropriate dosing:
Regular strength: 325mg-650mg every 4-6 hours
Extra Strength: 500mg-1,000mg every 6 hours
Do not take more than 3,000mg per day
Taking more Tylenol than recommended, either all at once or over time, is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States.
Main side effects: Liver toxicity at wrong doses, nausea/tummy upset
A few notes from my practice:
Tylenol will not help reduce inflammation (like ibuprofen) but will help with pain.
If you have a musculoskeletal injury or headache, you can take ibuprofen 600mg alternating every 3 hours with Tylenol 500mg-1,000mg.
Tylenol is included in a lot of combination medications like Tylenol PM or opioid medications like Norco. Make sure to check the dose of Tylenol so that you don’t exceed 3,000mg per day.
Don’t take with alcohol
Do take with food
If you find yourself taking acetaminophen regularly without other plans to manage whatever is going on, that’s a great time to check in with your provider!
Please always consult your provider before taking medication or if you have any symptoms you are worried about. This is general information meant for education/entertainment and not medical advice. Everyone is different, so get that personalized advice from your provider!
Tylenol can be so helpful. Let’s be cautious and thoughtful about its use but not afraid to use it when it may really help with pain and fever. Knowledge is power!
