Tylenol is the trade name for the generic drug acetaminophen. This medication comes in many different forms, including capsules, suppositories for rectal administration and a concentrated liquid for children and infants. Tylenol can be obtained without a prescription and is commonly used for fever reduction, aches and mild pains. Despite its wide availability, there are reasons why certain people should not use Tylenol. The medical term for this is contraindication, and you should not use Tylenol without discussing these issues with your physician first.
Acetaminophen Allergies
If you have had an allergic reaction to Tylenol or a product containing acetaminophen, you should not use this product without discussing this with your physician. Typical symptoms suggestive of an acetaminophen allergic reaction include hives or a rash and stomach pain. If you suffer from shortness of breath or swelling of the face or neck after taking Tylenol, you should contact a doctor immediately, as this is a severe allergic reaction and can be life-threatening. Passing dark brown urine or having light or clay-colored stools after taking Tylenol could indicate liver damage and needs to be discussed with your physician.
Liver Dysfunction
If you have already been diagnosed with a liver illness, such as hepatitis, liver cancer or cirrhosis, or have had a liver transplant, that alone is a contraindication to taking Tylenol. Some of these diseases, such as cirrhosis, are already damaging your liver so that parts of it will not function properly. If you take Tylenol with an active liver illness, the Tylenol will not be metabolized and can quickly lead to toxicity, effectively poisoning your body and further harming your liver.
Alcohol Use
Tylenol may not be the best choice of pain reliever if you consume alcoholic beverages daily. Liver damage can occur when a moderate alcohol drinker takes even a normal dose of Tylenol. Recovering alcoholics should discuss their liver functions with their doctor prior to taking Tylenol, as the liver requires time to heal after you have stopping drinking alcohol.
Prescription Medications
Certain prescription medications can alter the way your body metabolizes or processes Tylenol. The blood thinning medication warfarin, also known by the brand name Coumadin, should be monitored closely when taken with Tylenol, as the composite effect of the medications can thin your blood too much. Additionally, any prescription medications that can affect your liver, such as Isoniazid, which is taken for tuberculosis, can potentially harm your liver when taken with Tylenol. Other pain relievers including Motrin and Naproxen can harm your kidneys when taken in conjunction with Tylenol. If you are taking any prescription medications daily, you need to discuss the use of Tylenol with your physician prior to taking any doses.
