Is Tylenol a good pain reliever to take? Several patients seeking ending freedom from constant pain, cold, and fever ask this question. Typically, we all have experienced pain and cold at one point in our lives, and this can be a terrible experience.
Different over-the-counter pain medications work diversely depending on the underlying condition. Tylenol is one popular and generally accepted pain medication doctors prescribe for treating mild or severe pain and cold in the United States.
Tylenol contains Acetaminophen (an active ingredient that relieves pain). Tylenol is safe for consumption, making it a preferred pain reliever for approximately 23 % of Americans; however, death or medical complications may occur from an accidental overdose of Tylenol.
Let’s get into some basic details about this medication and how it alleviates pain and fever.
What is Tylenol?
Tylenol, commonly known as Acetaminophen, is one of the most popular over-the-counter (O.T.C.) pain relievers available. Tylenol is an effective analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) medication used for treating mild to moderate pain.
Common conditions you can treat using Tylenol include back pain, menstrual pains, toothaches, osteoarthritis, colds, and flu. Acetaminophen in Tylenol relieves pain by stimulating the sensory nerves, which alleviate the body’s overall pain threshold.
The drug also reduces fever discomfort by stimulating heat regulation centers in the brain, thereby removing excess heat from the body.
Tylenol is safe for use, but excessive consumption can result in medical complications. If you or your loved ones accidentally overdose on Tylenol, seek emergency medical attention.
How to use Tylenol
Typically Tylenol is safe for use as a pain reliever; however, you can develop a severe complication from a possible overdose. Acetaminophen overdose overloads the liver, depleting glutathione, protecting liver cells from toxins. This condition can lead to liver damage (hepatotoxicity).
According to the Food and Drug Administration (F.D.A.), the maximum allowed dose of Tylenol is 4,000 mg per day, including all other drugs containing Acetaminophen administered to the patient. Manufacturers of Acetaminophen frequently suggest a daily dose of 3,000 mg per day if the drug is taken for an extended period.
If you have other underlying conditions such as obesity, poor nutrition, or liver disease, daily usage of Tylenol exceeding 2,000 mg may increase the risk of developing liver failure. If you aren’t sure of the recommended dose to use, always visit your primary healthcare provider for a professional consultation.
Oral Tylenol for children depends on your child’s weight. The recommended dose is 75mg/kg per day for children, note 4,000 mg per day.
If you unintentionally skip a dose of Tylenol, take it as soon as you remember. It would help if you never compliment missed doses during your next scheduled dose.
Side Effects of Taking Tylenol
Tylenol’s side effects are least common; however, this does not mean that you cannot experience varying side effects after Tylenol intake. Mild side effects of Tylenol may include nausea, constipation, or vomiting. Tylenol overdose causes severe side effects such as liver damage, skin rash, or death.
Seek medical attention if you experience liver damage symptoms such as low blood pressure, kidney damages, Unusual bleeding or bruising, Blood or black, tarry stools
Risk Factor of taking Tylenol
While Tylenol is harmless when used as prescribed, it can be harmful to some people. People with chronic underlying conditions such as liver disease, HIV-AIDS may experience severe side effects. If you consume more than three bottles of alcohol daily, you shouldn’t take Tylenol without a doctor’s prescription.
If you have an allergic reaction to Acetaminophen, you should avoid using Tylenol but instead consult your doctor for an alternative treatment course.
How to Avoid Tylenol Overdose
Tylenol overdose causes More than half of liver damage cases recorded in the United States. Tylenol overdose is responsible for Approximately 56,000 emergency visits to the hospital and 500 deaths in the United States.
How Can You Prevent Overdose?
Review all over-the-counter prescriptions containing Acetaminophen, read the label and manuals for appropriate information. Then add up the total dose, which should not exceed a daily intake of 4,000mg per day.
Always consult with your doctor to confirm your expected daily usage of Tylenol based on your health conditions to avoid overdose.