Unfortunately, the line between the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen and the amount that can cause liver damage is very thin, leading to many cases of acetaminophen poisoning. This is why the manufacturer of Tylenol has reduced the maximum daily dose from 4000 mg to 3000 mg, a move supported by many pharmacists and doctors.
According to the family magazine service of Saed News, individuals should not overuse acetaminophen. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 4 grams, as higher amounts can lead to severe liver damage.
Doctors always recommend not taking acetaminophen tablets or syrup without consulting a physician. Acetaminophen is one of the over-the-counter medications that many people take for even the slightest pain.
Acetaminophen tablets contain 325 to 500 mg of the active ingredient. Taking more than 8 to 10 tablets a day is dangerous and has numerous side effects. A six-year study on individuals who regularly used this drug shows that exceeding the recommended dose can cause toxicity and numerous side effects.
Symptoms and Side Effects of Taking Too Many Acetaminophen Pills
Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose typically include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper right abdomen. Although the problems caused by acetaminophen are usually treatable, sometimes excessive use can lead to liver failure, which, if not treated promptly, can be fatal. Therefore, anyone suspected of taking too many acetaminophen pills (around eight or ten or more) is at risk of liver damage, which is the most significant side effect of an overdose. Individuals who have overdosed on acetaminophen typically require emergency room or hospital admission and blood tests to determine acetaminophen levels and other liver function tests. Treatment may include gastric lavage, intravenous fluids, and medications to help expel acetaminophen from the body more quickly.
Long-Term Side Effects of Acetaminophen Use
After ingestion, acetaminophen is processed and metabolized in the liver and ultimately excreted by the kidneys. In healthy individuals, low doses of this drug do not cause serious problems. However, in people with liver, kidney, or gastrointestinal conditions, even low doses can be harmful. Acetaminophen inhibits the production of certain stomach-protective factors. Long-term use of acetaminophen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen increases stomach vulnerability and may lead to bleeding and ulcers over time. Additionally, the excretion of acetaminophen metabolites through the kidneys and the drug's effect on kidney vessels can cause kidney damage with long-term use, potentially leading to kidney failure. People with hypertension and underlying kidney conditions should be especially cautious when taking these drugs.
