$Unique_ID{BRK01033}
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$Title{Are There Dangers In Taking a Great Deal of Acetaminophen?}
$Subject{pain acetaminophen medicine medicines medication medications side
effect effects liver diarrhea nausea vomiting pains tenderness abdomen eye
yellowing eyes skin renal disease}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Are There Dangers In Taking a Great Deal of Acetaminophen?


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QUESTION:  While visiting my brother for a brief visit, I noticed that he
seemed to be taking a great deal of acetaminophen for continuing pain.  He
claims his doctor is aware of this, but I fear that there may be damage done
over the long haul.  Can you discuss these possible dangers for me?

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ANSWER:  Any medication can have adverse side effects, even when taken for a
short period of time, and each of us reacts to medications in a different way.
Since some of us are more sensitive to a medication than others, a dose which
is completely acceptable for one individual may, in fact, be an overdose for
others.  The general rule is never to take more medicine than is needed to
control the medical situation for which it has been prescribed.  Never take
more medicine than is indicated on the package label and be very careful when
taking combination medications, such as acetaminophen and salicylates, as they
seem to provoke more serious side effects than when taken alone.
     Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage, diarrhea, nausea and
vomiting, and pain and tenderness in the abdomen.  When the liver has been
severely damaged, yellowing of eyes and skin may occur two to four days after
the initial ingestion.  Over the long haul, the risk of renal disease is
significantly greater when acetaminophen has been used in conjunction with
other medications in high dosages over a prolonged period of time.  However,
according to the U.S. Pharmacopeia, there seems to be no substantial risk
associated with prolonged use of high therapeutic doses of acetaminophen
alone.  Providing your brother IS under regular medical supervision, some of
your anxiety may be misdirected.  If he is not, you may have to intercede to
obtain some needed clarifications.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.