Tylenol is the brand name of a popular drug used as pain relievers and fever reducers. Its generic name is acetaminophen. It belongs to analgesics and antipyretics class of drugs. These types of drugs are mainly used to relieve pain. They also bring down the temperature and prevent fever. In many countries, including the United States, it is an over-the-counter drug. Taking Tylenol for headache, without a doctor’s advice, is a common practice. A recent research has reported that prolonged use of Tylenol for headache might increase the risk of liver damage.
The exact method through which Tylenol reduces pain is not known. To an extent, it is associated with the immunity of the body. When a person takes Tylenol, the drug increases the pain suddenly to the threshold. This soon puts immunity of the body into action and the pain is relieved soon. The effectiveness of the drug has made it more popular than ibuprofen and aspirin. A 2002 survey pointed out that in a week, the drug is used by one in five adult Americans. This increases the seriousness of the latest finding.
The study, which appeared in Journal of the American Medical Association, found unusual liver test results in adults taking the maximum prescribed doses of Tylenol for two weeks. Soon, the researchers who were part of the study expressed concern even regarding the normal usage of the drug. Dr. Neil Kaplowitz of the University of Southern California, who was a co-author of the study, asked the public not to exceed the usually prescribed limit of four grams a day. For heavy drinkers, Dr. Neil Kaplowitz limited the intake to not more than 2 grams a day.
Another co-author of the study, Dr. Paul Watkins of the University of North Carolina, had a different view. Dr. Watkins, pointing out the 50-year-old track record of the drug, noted that the situation is not that serious. He is of the view that limited use of the drug is not going to create any major worries. The pharmaceutical company producing Tylenol also found very low rates of liver damage. The company’s study was on high-dose users of the drug. The duration also was longer than the new research. The company also ruled out any possible liver disease.
Tylenol is metabolized by the liver. The maximum daily dosage of the drug is 4 grams. For adults, the oral dosage is 325 to 650 mg every 4 to 6 hours. For children, the oral dosage is 40-325 mg every 4 hours.
The potential damage to the liver increases when it is used along with drugs or alcohol. The drug becomes even more dangerous to liver when people combine other drugs with it. This often leads to overdose. A leading cause for acute lever failure is such drug combinations.
Several new researches are taking place regarding Tylenol’s potential risk of liver damage. Although Tylenol is an over-the-counter drug, it is wise to take the advice of a doctor before using it.