Acetaminophen is the generic name for the pain reliever and fever reducer Tylenol, which is commonly used for the treatment of headaches, arthritis, toothaches and muscle pain. Caffeine is the world's most popular psychoactive drug, according to "National Geographic Magazine." It's a chemical that increases energy and wakefulness. Combined, however, these drugs may not be very safe. A 2007 University of Washington study found a link between liver damage and over-the- counter pain relief medications containing acetaminophen and caffeine.
Liver Damage
Very high doses of medications containing acetaminophen and caffeine that can be purchased without a doctor's prescription could lead to liver damage, say University of Washington researchers. The study, published in 2007 in the journal "Chemical Research in Toxicology," was widely reported. The researchers, from the department of medicinal chemistry, found that the combination produces a toxic enzyme that can damage the liver. Further, taking a drug like Tylenol and drinking a lot of coffee can have the same outcome.
Moderation
The University of Washington study should not dissuade people from using these useful medications in moderation. According to study coauthor Sidney Nelsen, it would take about 10 times more caffeine than found in one cup of coffee to cause liver damage. Caffeine also makes certain medications more effective. The Cleveland Clinic reports that caffeine helps the body absorb drugs quicker and makes them about 40 percent more effective. Adding caffeine to pain relievers also allows people to take less medication.
Higher Risk
While it would take a lot of caffeine and acetaminophen to cause liver damage, some people are at higher risk for the complication, according to the "Washington Post." Since alcohol increases the production of the same toxin produced by liver when it breaks down acetaminophen, people who drink heavily could also be at risk for liver disease by taking the OTC pain killer. Also, people who suffer from arthritis and chronic migraines and take medications with this combination of drugs often are at increased risk.
Comparison
In 2006, researchers from San Francisco Headache Clinic compared the effectiveness of analgesics containing acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine to those containing ibuprofen and caffeine. The study, published in the journal "Headache," found that both treatments are safe but that acetaminophen, aspirin and caffeine are significantly more effective and are activated faster versus ibuprofen and caffeine.
References
- National Geographic Magazine: Caffeine; T.R. Reid
- The Washington Post: Caffeine Plus Acetaminophen Toxic for Some; Steven Reinberg; September 2007
- Cleveland Clinic: Caffeine and Headache
- Chemical Research in Toxicology; Cooperative Binding of Acetaminophen and Caffeine within the P450 3A4 Active Site; Michael Cameron; October 2007
- Fox News: Mixing Tylenol with Caffeine May Increase Risk of Liver Damage; Tina Benitez; September 2007
- "Headache"; Acetaminophen, Aspirin, and Caffeine in Combination Versus Ibuprofen for Acute Migraine; J Goldstein; March 2006
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