Acetaminophen Overdose Risk

Acetaminophen (paracetamol or acetyl-para-aminophenol, brand name Tylenol) is a nonsteroidal drug administered to lower fever and relieve pain. Acetaminophen is one of the world’s most used medications and is found in about 600 over-the-counter products including Robitussin, Sudafed, and Excedrin. Acetaminophen was first synthesized by Harmon Northrop Mors in 1877 and is relatively safe if taken as directed. However, it is more likely than other pain killers to manifest overdose risks including stomach bleeding, liver damage, kidney damage, and blood cancer. The risk is doubled if acetaminophen is taken four times a week for four years. Rare skin reactions (called toxic epidermal necrolysis), anemia, and asthma can occur. Accidental overdose usually occurs in the chronically ill, patients with liver disease, alcoholics, and in fasting or ...