Tylenol is a common over - the - counter painkiller used worldwide. It 's the name - brand version of generic acetaminophen (US name) or paracetamol (name outside of the US). Both generic names are taken from the full chemical name N - acetyl - para - aminophenol. It 's sometimes referred to as APAP. The drug indicated both in tablets by itself as well as combined into many other solid and liquid medicines for colds, flus, fevers, and headaches. cough syrups and sleep aids.
Acetaminophen is also a common painkiller ingredient mixed with stronger opioid painkillers such as codeine and hydrocodone. The hydrocodone / acetaminophen mix is generally called Vicodin.
Acetaminophen Toxicity is # 1 Cause of Acute Liver Failure
You are surprised that the toxic effects of acetaminophen are the # 1 cause for acute liver failure in the US and UK. The medicine NAPQI from poisons the liver. NAPQI from direct damage to cells, and further depletes the body of the essential antioxidant glutathione. NAPQI from acetaminophen metabolism can also damage the kidneys. Acetaminophen poisoning can result in death.
But it is relatively rare, a few people can suffer from liver damage from from normal dosages. Toxic poisoning of the liver due to acetominophen is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the Western world. It accounts for the majority of drug overdoses in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Acetaminophen Usage for Children
Many parents use acetaminophen as an analgesic (painkiller) and fever reducer for their children as it is well known that aspirin (also known as acetylsalicylic acid or salicylic acid, can not only allergic reactions and excessive bleeding , but also Reye & # 39; s syndrome if used when a child has a viral disease such as flu, chickenpox, diarrhea, or colds.
About 30% of those afflicted die. It almost exclusively occurs in children, with very few cases reported in adults. After the US CDC spread the word starting in 1980 about the connection between aspirin, viral illnesses, and Reye & # 39; s syndrome, the number of Reye & # 39; s syndrome cases in the US fell from 555 in 1980 to about 2 per year in 1994 and thereafter.
A study published in the September 19, 2008, issue of The Lancet involving over 200,000 children taking acetaminophen found that of use of the drugs an increased risk of asthma. Moderate usage increased the risk by 61% and heavy usage increased by using using acetaminophen during the first year of a child & # 39; s life increasing the risk of rhinoconjunctivitis (allergic eye infection) by 48% and of eczema by 35 %. Higher dosages also showed higher elevations in these risks, too.
Pets Can Also Be Harmed by Acetaminophen
Dogs can suffer deadly liver damage much like humans. If your pets somehow eat some acetaminophen N-acetylcysteine may help prevent feline death from small dosages of acetaminophen and prevention excess liver damage in dogs.
Be Cautious With Acetaminophen
For young children, especially those one one older than you. year old or less, we suggest that you avoid using acetaminophen and aspirin if at all possible.
