Acetaminophen reduces fever and relieves many kinds of minor aches and pains such as headaches and backaches, muscle pain and arthritis, toothaches, cramps and the aches and pains associated with the common cold and influenza. Acetaminophen is an over-the-counter medication sold under a variety of brand names including Tylenol, Aspirin Free Anacin and Bayer Select Maximum Strength Headache Pain Relief Formula.
Benefits
According to studies by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, acetaminophen relieves pain and reduces fever about as well as aspirin, but without the associated stomach irritation that aspirin can cause. Unlike aspirin, acetaminophen does not reduce the swelling and redness from painful joints that often accompany arthritis and other muscle and joint pain.
Dose
A normal dosage for adults and children over the age of 12 is 325 to 650 milligrams every four to six hours as needed for pain and fever. An adult should take no more than 4 grams, or 4000 milligrams within a 24-hour period. According to the National Library of Medicine, the drug can potentially cause liver damage, so people who consume large amounts of alcohol should consider taking small doses, or avoiding the drug altogether.
Precautions
In the mid 2000s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration launched an advertising campaign aimed at educating consumers about taking acetaminophen and other over-the-counter painkillers. Acetaminophen is found in numerous cold and flu products, and people unknowingly overdose on the drug, particularly if they are taking additional pain medications or fever reducers that contain acetaminophen. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, some cases of overdose have led to liver transplants and death.
Side Effects
Acetaminophen generally causes few side effects provided the individual taking it does not consistently consume large amounts of alcohol. The most common side effect is feeling lightheaded, while less common side effects include pain in the lower back or side. Allergic reactions occur in some individuals but are generally rare. Additional rare side effects include yellowing of the skin and eyes, unusual bruising and bleeding, weakness, fatigue, black or bloody stools or bloody, cloudy, or diminished urine output. Anyone who develops a rash, swelling or difficult breathing after taking acetaminophen should stop taking it and seek medical attention.
Overdose
According to the National Library of Medicine, an overdose of acetaminophen may cause nausea, vomiting, sweating and exhaustion. If an individual experiences any of these symptoms after taking acetaminophen, they should seek medical attention immediately. Taking a larger dose than suggested can cause irreversible liver damage. In 2004, the FDA approved an injection to counteract some of the liver damage caused by an acetaminophen overdose.
