Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, has both fever lowering and pain relieving capabilities. Although popular and widely used, it has its trade-offs when used on a regular basis. Tylenol.com reports that each 500 mg gel cap contains 500 mg of the pain reliever, acetaminophen. Tylenol entered the drug market in 1961. In the early 1980's its sales soared due in part to the discovery the link between aspirin and the development of Reye's syndrome in children with viral illnesses. Because of its popularity and relative gentleness on the stomach, many people with chronic illnesses, such as arthritis or back pain, began taking it regularly. Today, problems with long-term use have emerged.
Liver and Kidney Toxicity
The most serious and frequent side effects involve the liver. Chronic use of Tylenol has led to cases of liver toxicity, especially in alcoholic patients. Drugs.com, reports that in some cases, fasting caused heightened effects. Going without food for long periods commonly occurs in alcoholics when they indulge in binge drinking. A modest dose of 15 g or about 1/2 oz. acetaminophen can deplete liver glutathione stores by 70 percent in a healthy person weighing 70 kg or approximately 154 lbs. Other liver damage comes from overdose of acetaminophen. Drugs.com, cites a retrospective study of records of 306 patients treated at the hospital for Tylenol overdose. All recovered including the cases with severe liver injury. A person who suffers liver toxicity becomes prone to adverse kidney effects as well. Damage to the tiny tubules within the kidney may occur but only in rare instances related to overdose. Long-term Tylenol use may increase the risk of end-stage kidney disease.
Mild Side Effects
Side effects that involve the heart rarely occur. Acetaminophen reportedly caused at least two cases of significant drops in blood pressure, or hypotension. Those who experience decreased urine, difficulty urinating, bloody urine, weakness, fever, sore throat, abnormal bleeding or bruising, or a yellow tinge to the skin or eyes while taking Tylenol should consult with a medical professional.
Drug Interactions/Overdose
Tylenol may interact with a number of drugs including, Questran, Rifater, Dilantin, Coumadin, Retrovir, and birth control pills, as well as arthritis medications such as Advil, Motrin and Naprosyn, according to GI Care.com. Consult a doctor or pharmacist about taking Tylenol with any of these. The website G.I. Care.com, written by a team of gastroenterologists, advises not to use more than eight Tylenol tablets a day for a healthy person and a maximum of four tablets a day for a person with liver disease or cirrhosis.
Tylenol PM
Tylenol PM has the same dose of acetaminophen as Tylenol. However, it also contains 5 mg of the sleep aid, diphenhydramine HCl . Diphenhydramine causes drowsiness. Classified as an antihistamine, it is the same active ingredient used in Benadryl products. Rapid heart rate and palpitations result from the use of diphenhydramine. On rare occasion, thrombocytopenia occurs due to acetaminophen use. Anemia and granulocytosis occur infrequently as a side effect of the diphenhydramine component of Tylenol. Diphenhydramine can cause rash, itchiness, eczema and photosensitivity in sensitive individuals. Many of the people affected with this hypersensitivity go on to become sensitized either through the use of topical diphenhydramine or by systemic administration.
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