The Deadly Dangers of Acetaminophen Misuse
Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used painkillers in the world, found in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications. While it can be effective at managing pain and reducing fever, it’s important to understand the potential dangers of misusing this medication. Reading the label and following the directions is the easiest way to avoid disaster.
As the cold and flu season is coming to a quick close, many of us are still getting sick and trying all sorts of remedies to restore our health. One of the fastest and easiest solutions is taking medicine. Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in common over-the-counter medication to relieve pain or reduce fever. It treats common conditions such as muscle aches, headaches, arthritis, toothaches, backaches, menstrual pain and sore throat. Acetaminophen is found in many popular medications such as Tylenol, Dayquil/Nyquil, Zicam, and Alka-Seltzer Plus Liquids Gels. Despite its widespread use and easy accessibility, recent studies have raised concerns about the potential dangers of using this drug irresponsibly. With the prevalence of acetaminophen use, its users must be aware of its potential risks and use it only as it is directed.
According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, around 23 percent of U.S. adults (52 million Americans) use some medication containing acetaminophen weekly. It is generally considered safe when taken as recommended. However, there can be a small margin between what is viewed as a safe and lethal dose.
The overarching risk of acetaminophen use is the potential for liver damage. Because of how frequently it is in over-the-counter medications, it can be relatively easy to take more than the recommended dose accidentally. With more than 100,000 instances per year, overdose from acetaminophen is the leading cause of calls to poison control centers in the United States. It’s even responsible for more than 56,000 emergency room visits and an estimated 458 deaths yearly due to acute liver failure. Over half of all acute liver failure cases in the United States are correlated to acetaminophen overdose. The liver metabolizes the medication, so too much of it can overwhelm the way the liver normally functions. Acetaminophen-induced liver damage occurs slowly; often, by the time it’s noticeable, it is likely too late to treat it.
Like liver damage, heavy use of acetaminophen is associated with an increased risk for kidney disease. Several studies have investigated its relation to cardiometabolic health. Those who misuse over-the-counter medication are considered at the most significant risk for acetaminophen toxicity, which is an accumulation of the drug within the body that occurs when the kidneys become unable to effectively expel the substance at the rate at which it is taken in.
In rare cases, acetaminophen can cause severe skin reactions. In 2013, the FDA warned that its use, in rare cases, can cause potentially fatal skin reactions, including toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). It is unknown exactly what causes such a reaction, but what is particularly alarming about it is that it can occur even if you’ve already taken acetaminophen without any problems.
The best thing you can do to medicate safely is to follow the recommended dosage guidelines and not exceed the daily dose of acetaminophen (4,000 milligrams per day for adults). It’s important to remember that acetaminophen is relatively safe when you take the recommended dose. However, suppose you know your family has a history of medical issues related to the liver or kidney. In that case, seeking alternative painkillers for acute relief might be a good idea.
Here are a few alternative ideas from Chris Kresser (M.S., L.Ac., is a globally-renowned expert, clinician, and educator in the fields of Functional Medicine):
Magnesium: Three of the most common reasons for taking pain medications over the counter are headaches, muscle pain, and menstrual cramps. Magnesium can significantly relieve these symptoms, often equivalent to or better than Tylenol.
Boswellia: Another anti-inflammatory, the resin of the Boswellia tree, has been used medicinally for centuries.
CBD oil: Also known as cannabidiol, this is the non-psychoactive oil of the cannabis plant that has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition: Emotional-freedom techniques, yoga, and meditation can all provide some pain relief…
Overall, make sure to read the labels and follow the instructions carefully when taking over-the-counter pain meds. Stick to the recommended dosage and timing to stay safe and feel better.
Abigail Darling
MIS researcher and writer
