October = Liver Awareness Month

One cause of liver failure is Tylenol (acetaminophen) overdose. So many of my patients and families seem alarmed when told this is the cause of their liver failure. SO...

I'll take this moment to step on my soap box and remind you all to please use extreme caution with acetaminophen when taking it for yourself or giving it to your children. Acetaminophen is found in many over the counter medications, not just Tylenol, so be sure to read labels carefully when taking more than one medication. The FDA recently passed a law requiring bigger warning labels on these medications, because in the past the labels are small and often missed by the general population.

Overdosing on Tylenol (and other acetaminophen containing medications) can cause many life threatening problems including acute liver failure. Combining this medication with alcohol or if you are a chronic alcohol user can be dangerous. Taking more than the recommended dose, chronically using this medication or taking it more frequently than recommended can cause serious liver damage and even death.

For infants and children, please use extreme caution is recommended when babies spit out some of the medication and additional amounts are given. This could lead to larger than intended dosing.

Acetaminophen is called paracetomal in many countries. Brand names are extensive, so again be sure to look at labels.

Tyelnol is a good drug when used with caution. Unfortunately, many people assume over-the-counter medications are without risks. Now you know :)