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Dangers of Tylenol

Tylenol, which is an acetaminophen (APAP), is an over-the-counter medication used primarily to relieve pain in your body. For example, it can help relieve cold symptoms, toothaches, headaches, muscular aches, arthritis pain, backache, cramps and reduces fever. Although Tylenol has many benefits, it also can be very dangerous.

  1. Children

    • Tylenol can be unsafe for children. Tylenol is meant to be an adult product. So, children under the age of 12 should not take regular Tylenol. If taken by a child younger than 12, it could lead to liver damage and overdosing. There are children's Tylenol versions on the market that are meant for children to take, but even that should be watched very carefully.

    Overdose

    • It is very important for a person taking Tylenol to read the label on the bottle. Tylenol can be dangerous if a person does not take the recommended dosage. Each tablet of Tylenol has 500 mg of acetaminophen in it. Usually the Tylenol label says that a person should take two tablets every four to six hours. Taking more is an overdose and can be dangerous. Definitely do not take more than eight tablets in 24 hours. It is recommended to call poison control or get medical help if a person overdoses on Tylenol. The poison control number is 1-800-222-1222.

    Liver Damage

    • When a person takes more than then the recommended dose of Tylenol it can be dangerous because it could lead to liver damage. Liver damage can be deadly because it can result in liver failure. It is important that adults taking the correct dosage of Tylenol stop taking it after 10 consecutive days. The Food and Drug Administration has proven that prolonged use of Tylenol causes liver damage.

    Alcohol

    • Alcohol and Tylenol do not mix well together. There are many warnings that say if you drink three or more alcoholic beverages a day, you should contact your doctor before taking acetaminophen. The combination of Tylenol and alcohol can, over time, also cause liver damage. This happens because the liver's levels of glutathione decrease, and that causes the liver to shut down.

    Pregnancy

    • Tylenol can be dangerous if you are pregnant. Always ask your doctor if it is OK for you to take Tylenol if you are pregnant because it could harm your unborn child. Also, ask your doctor if it is OK to take Tylenol if you are breastfeeding since it could also affect your child.

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