Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a very common drug used to treat fever and minor aches according to Infomed. It is both an antipyretic and analgesic drug, which can be used to relieve pain experienced in colds, flu, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and arthritis, among others. This drug is usually prescribed to people with an allergy to aspirin; it has no anti-inflammatory effects. It is also safe to use by people of all ages, having just a few uncommon side effects, usually seen in the liver.
Liver Damage
According to Infomed, acetaminophen in large amounts can be particularly damaging to the liver, especially if the patient already has an existing liver problem. Most drugs are metabolized in the liver, including acetaminophen. During metabolism of acetaminophen, an intensely active metabolite, known as N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine produced. This metabolite when produced in high amounts, can cause damage to the liver cells, which can then lead to acute liver failure. However, if the patient already has an existing liver insufficiency, even just small amounts of acetaminophen can trigger acute liver failure. In fact, according to Pharmaceutical Drug Manufacturers, liver damage is one of the most dangerous side effects of Acetaminophen, along with nephrotoxicity, or kidney damage.
Jaundice
The Doctors of USC, a website supported by the University of Southern California, enumerates that acetaminophen poisoning can result in jaundice. This can lead to the development of yellow pigment in the skin, mouth and the eyes. Individuals can also present with vomiting and nausea due to the jaundice.
Allergic Reactions
Drugs.com reports that allergic reactions, such as rashes, hives, and shortness of breath, can occur with acetaminophen use, but it is rare because most people are not allergic to acetaminophen. However, since some allergic reactions, like bronchospasm and shortness of breath, can be life threatening, those affected should stop taking the medication and inform their health care providers as soon as these side effects become apparent.
Blood Disorders
Although very rare, Infomed reports that blood dyscrasias, methaemoglobinemia and hemolytic anemia can occur to persons taking acetaminophen. Blood dyscrasias are problems with the organs that produce blood, like the bone marrow, spleen and liver. According to the World Health Organization, methaemoglobinemia is the reduced ability of the blood to carry oxygen to different parts of the body because of lack of hemoglobin. Finally, hemolytic anemia, a condition in which the level of red blood cells decreases due to abnormal hemoglobin breakdown, can also occur as a rare side effect of constant acetaminophen use.
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