Acetaminophen Overdose – What Do I Need to Know?

Acetaminophen overdose has been in the news and a subject of concern lately. What is it, what does it do to my liver, and how can I protect myself? Find out here.

Acetaminophen (or paracetamol in Great Britain) is used by many people today as an over-the-counter drug for pain relief and to reduce fever. Acetaminophen is also an active ingredient in many over the counter cold, flu, and sleeping remedies. It is the active ingredient in many recognized pain relievers such as over the counter drugs Tylenol, Excedrin, and prescription brands Vicoden and Percocet.

Acetaminophen quickly gained popularity when it was introduced into the market in the 1950’s since it doesn’t contain the warnings for gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach upset that aspirin does. As a result, people may tend to down them quite regularly with little thought. This is not without serious risk.

On June 29 and 30, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration advisory panel held meetings to discuss the safety of acetaminophen and possible new guidelines for safe consumption of this drug. Why the worries? Acetaminophen, when taken according to labels, has been considered generally safe. It is widely used by millions at safe levels with minimal side effects. However, when these guidelines are exceeded, this is called acetaminophen overdose.

What are the dangers of acetaminophen? Most people think of alcohol abuse or hepatitis as being the most common causes of liver failure. They are not. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver damage in the United States. This can be manifested in abnormal liver function, elevated liver enzymes, or even liver failure and death. Acetaminophen leaves toxic residues in the liver, and the liver requires assistance to remove them from your body. These residues can build up over time if your liver doesn’t have what it needs to do the job. Research has shown us that acetaminophen was the leading cause of acute liver failure in the U.S. from 1998 to 2003.

In the United Kingdom, where acetaminophen is known as paracetamol, it is common practice for those wanting to commit suicide to mix alcohol and acetaminophen, which is one of the dangers of acetaminophen, and this can lead to liver failure. This may prove fatal if not treated right away. As a result, the packaging has been changed on products in that country, and limits have been put on its purchase. The warnings are very clear on the label, and as a result, there have been fewer incidences of suicide attempts with paracetamol overdose. The most common way to treat acetaminophen overdose in Europe if the patient gets to a hospital in time is to administer large doses of a drug called N-acetyl-cysteine or NAC. This quickly raises a protein called glutathione in the patient’s system, and they may get sick from the high dosage, but it keeps their liver from failing completely and can save their life in this extreme circumstance.

In order to prevent these dangers of acetaminophen, the most important step you can take is to read all of the information on the label, and follow dosing instructions carefully. Do not take more than the recommended dose, even if you think you might need it. One difference between acetaminophen and other painkillers is that the window between therapeutic and toxic doses is much narrower than other drugs. With acetaminophen, there is not much room for error. On the label it will indicate how long or for how many days you should take the medicine. Follow this precaution carefully as well. Generally, you should not be taking this for more than 10 days in a row. Seek medical attention if your problem persists.

And read the labels of all of the medicines you are taking to make sure that you are not “doubling up” on safe dosages to prevent dangers of acetaminophen and acetaminophen overdose. Do not mix acetaminophen with alcohol. This increases the toxic load on the liver.

Know what to look for. Some of the signs of acetaminophen overdose mimc flu symptoms. In this case, you may think you have the flu, but if you have been taking acetaminophen for several days, it is a good idea to seek medical attention immediately. It may save your life! Of course, a common sense approach would be to stay well below the established guidelines if possible to protect your liver even further. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!

The best way to avoid acetaminophen and liver damage is to take care of your liver and make sure it is not overloaded with toxins in the first place. Additionally, pay close attention to all toxins that your liver is exposed to, whether this be in the form of over the counter or prescription drugs, alcohol, or other toxins in your environment. It is also important to note that use of acetaminophen depletes the levels of protective glutathione in your system. The Food and Drug Administration has a Power Point Presentation that includes a list of glutathione depleting substances. This list includes acetaminophen , alcohol, smoking and caffeine. So when you are taking this medicine, it would be good to make sure you are raising your glutathione levels as well to help your liver to remove it from your body and prevent liver damage.

For a long term preventive approach for acetaminophen and liver damage, you need a dual strategy. Don’t overload your liver with toxins, and then give your liver what it needs to cope with the chemicals and toxins that you are exposed to.

In conclusion, what is acetaminophen overdose? It is the leading cause of liver damage in the US, and is the result of taking more acetaminophen than the recommended safe dose. To prevent acetaminophen toxicity, please read the labels on all medications you take carefully. To protect your liver from acetaminophen overdose, do not exceed the safe dose, limit your drug and toxin exposure, and keep your glutathione levels high. This will prevent liver damage and keep your liver healthy. And if your liver is healthy, you are healthy!

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