FDA Says Using Acetaminophen Improperly Could be Fatal

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the U.S. has recently reported for consumers’ public knowledge that using more than a recommended dosage of acetaminophen can cause potentially severe liver damage and even death in some cases.

As with physicians, dentists regularly help their patients manage acute pain caused by dental procedures or various conditions. There are even cases where they recommend their patients use OTC acetaminophen before they head to the dental office for treatment.

To get an idea of what acetaminophen is, it is the general name for the active element in OTC products like Tylenol and prescription medications like Percocet and Vicodin. Acetaminophen can be found in over 600 prescription and OTC fever reducers and pain relievers as well as flu and cold, sleep-aid, and allergy medicines.

When used properly, acetaminophen is both effective and safe, but taking even slightly more than advised or using multiple medicines containing acetaminophen can be fatal.

As cautioned by the FDA, patients should always heed their doctor’s instructions and those on their medicine’s label when taking products with acetaminophen. It's also essential for patients to talk with their doctor if they’ve been diagnosed with liver disease already or drink alcohol regularly.

The FDA also recommends that patients who take the blood thinner warfarin speak with their doctor about taking acetaminophen due to the combination raising patients’ risk of bleeding. For parents or other adults with children in their care who need to give them this medication, the FDA recommends the following:

●Check active ingredients for other medicines children are taking.

●Carefully look over the information provided by the children’s doctor as well as the information on the medicine’s label and follow the directions from there.

●Choose the correct medicine by the child’s age and weight to verify it’s right for the child, how much to give, the interval of time between doses, and when the doses of acetaminophen should stop—ask the doctor for assistance if the dosage for the child’s age or weight is not on the medicine’s label or if you cannot tell how much you should give.

●Don’t use spoons, as they could give the incorrect amount. A measuring tool, which should come with the medicine, can provide an exact dose. Speak with a pharmacist if there is no measuring tool.

●Never give children multiples medicines containing acetaminophen, as the combination could harm them.

In cases where the medicine does not relieve fever or pain in adults or children, the FDA urges individuals not to take further acetaminophen but rather to speak with a doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.

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