We frequently take medication to relieve our pains, treat our colds, or other everyday ailment. Who doesn't suffer from a cold, headache, and backache? Well, the answer is; almost all of us.
Many over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, possess side effects and have special precautions we should know and follow while we are taking them in order to prevent an undesired effect or serious complications.
Tylenol, also known as Acetaminophen, is one of the most popular drugs used to relieve mild to moderate pain, and to reduce fever. Acetaminophen is part of a class of medications called: Analgesics (pain relievers) and Antipyretics (fever reducers).
These medications can be purchased without a prescription, but the doctor may prescribe it to treat some conditions. Many folks buy acetaminophen in some form everyday. Acetaminophen comes in a tablet, capsule, suspension or solution, and drops, which are taken orally with or without food. It also comes as a suppository to use rectally.
Now, before taking this medication there are a few things you should consider. There are also special precautions to follow.
· Inadequate consumption of acetaminophen can cause liver damage. This damage can be sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or even more serious, to cause death. In order to prevent this and to take acetaminophen safely, we should follow the directions on the prescription or package label
· Acetaminophen has to be taken exactly as directed on the prescription or package label. It cannot be take it in higher doses or more often than directed. If the pain or fever persists, after taking this medication as directed, then we have to call our doctor. You can also ask your pharmacist how much and frequent the medication should be taken. Be sure not to take more than one product containing acetaminophen at the same time
· The labels of all the medications should be read to make sure that they do not contain acetaminophen, and don't exceed the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen which is 4000 mg per day.
In adults the dosage is 500 to 1000 mg three times a day as needed, and the maximum daily dose is 4000 mg for no longer than 10 days for pain, and for no longer than 3 days for fever. For children 6 years or older, the maximum daily dose is 1600 mg. This is without doctor's consultation.
There is an important point to consider in this regard. Taking acetaminophen in adequate dosages is extremely important since the difference between a therapeutic and a toxic dose is surprisingly small. We already know that in adults the maximum safe dosage is 4000 mg over a 24-hour period, but we also should know that the toxic dose is 7000 mg or more.
- Inform your doctor if you have suffered or are suffering from liver disease
Patients with hepatic disease are at risk from chronic administration of acetaminophen.Alcoholics are at increased risk of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity. This can happen not only with an over dosage but also with its therapeutic dosage. The chronic use of alcohol activates the enzymes responsible for the transformation of acetaminophen into chemicals that can cause liver damage.Acetaminophen and alcohol in combination overwhelm the liver's ability to remove toxins from our bloodstream.Let your doctor know if you have more than two drinks per day.
There may be interactions between the medications you are taking. Note that even nonprescription medications can interact with acetaminophen. So, it is very important to let your doctor or pharmacist know about any vitamin, herbal products, supplements or any other nonprescription or prescription medication that we are taking.
Another important thing we should know is that some acetaminophen chewable tablets are sweetened with aspartame (NutraSweet). Aspartame, which is an artificial non-saccharide sweetener, is a source of phenylalanine. This sweetener is converted to phenylalanine in the gastrointestinal tract after ingestion. For people who have phenylketonuria, a condition in which a special diet has to be followed, taking this chewable tablets sweetened with aspartame, can be a real problem since those people have to restrict their intake of phenylalanine.
We have to follow the doctor or pharmacist's directions and be cautious during our treatment. Furthermore, we have to know whether or not you are able to take this medication without risking your health.
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