Is Tylenol Bad for the Liver?

The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, has come under fire due to possible negative side effects involving the liver. Tylenol and all other products containing acetaminophen can be taken safely under certain guidelines.

What contains acetaminophen?

• Prescription bottles should list what medications are inside.

  For over-the-counter drugs, acetaminophen will be listed under active ingredients. For prescription medications, look for the word acetaminophen or APAP.

Risks

• Be careful not to take more than the recommended dosage of acetaminophen.

  According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, taking more than the recommended dosage of any drug that contains acetaminophen can cause liver damage.

Symptoms

• Liver damage can lead to hospitalization due to liver failure.

  The FDA lists liver damage symptoms as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite. Liver damage can lead to liver failure and death.

Benefits

• Acetaminophen reduces fever.

  Tylenol and other drugs containing acetaminophen relieve pain and reduce fevers.

Taking Tylenol safely

• Follow dosage instructions on all acetaminophen products.

  The FDA recommends following the dosage instructions on all acetaminophen products, not taking more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen at a time and not taking acetaminophen for more consecutive days than recommended. You should also consult your doctor before taking any medicine with acetaminophen if you already have liver damage or drink three or more alcoholic beverages per day.