Using Too Much Acetaminophen Can Be Dangerous

Acetaminophen is found in more medications than people realize. It’s the active ingredient in over 650 different over the counter and prescription medicines. This medication is primarily used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is also combined with other ingredients in various medications that help treat colds, the flu and allergies.

In prescriptions, you can find acetaminophen combined with other ingredients that help relieve moderate to severe pain. Recently, the FDA put out an alert to remind healthcare professionals to stop dispensing combination drug products that contain more than 325 mg of acetaminophen.

Many times, people will unknowingly take medications to treat other symptoms not realizing that several medications they might be taking all have acetaminophen as an active ingredient. This can cause SERIOUS complications including liver damage if more than directed is ingested.

Acetaminophen overdose is now the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Protect your health today by being aware of what medications you are putting into your body. If you ever think you or someone you know has taken too much acetaminophen or any other medication, please do not hesitate to contact the Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.