Fda Considering Changes To Lower Risk Of An Acetaminophen Overdose

Acetaminophen is generally considered to be one of the most effective and safest drugs in the market. This pain reliever is often recommended in lieu of aspirin because it is much easier on the stomach than alternative over-the-counter medications and, if taken properly, is considered to be quite safe.

However if the dosage is too high then acetaminophen can cause liver damage and it may also cause liver failure.

Most often associated with the brand name drug called Tylenol®, acetaminophen is also used in other products to treat cold and flu symptoms, headaches, sinus problems, arthritis, sleeplessness, and menstrual cramps.

It is also used in a number of prescription medications that include Vicodin® (hydrocodone) and Percocet® (oxycodone). When it is used in prescription products acetaminophen is usually called APAP.

There are so many drugs that have acetaminophen in them that it can be very easy to unknowingly take too much of the drug. Because of that, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is considering changing the recommended dose. They are hoping that this will reduce the risk of overdosing on the medication.

Overdoses currently account for 50,000 individuals visiting emergency rooms, 26,000 people being hospitalized, and 500 people dying in the United States every year.

The proposed changes include lowering the current maximum daily recommended dosage from 4,000 mg (milligrams) to 2,600 mg. Some research suggests that even taking 4,000 mg of the drug within a twenty-four hour period may be toxic for some adults.

Many of the over-the-counter acetaminophen products have 500 mg of the medication in each tablet or capsule. Currently the single recommended dose shouldn't exceed 1,000 mg. The proposed measures would change the maximum single dose to 650 mg and lower the amount that the tablets or capsules contain to 325 mg or less.

In addition, the FDA is considering that combination prescription products that include APAP and narcotic drugs should be prescribed separately in the future.

It should be noted that if someone is a heavy drinker or already has liver damage that they might be particularly susceptible to liver problems that are induced by taking acetaminophen.

The early symptoms and signs of an acetaminophen overdose include the loss of appetite, vomiting, and nausea - symptoms which are very much like the symptoms for the flu. However, if the victim has had an overdose of APAP then liver damage can become liver failure within only a few days.

When liver failure damage, which is life threatening, has been caused by acetaminophen it can often be treated. Symptoms that a person who overdosed will need medical attention include confusion, disorientation, upper abdomen tenderness, and a yellowing of the skin or eyes.