Tylenol, a brand name of the generic drug acetaminophen, is generally safe when taken at recommended dosages.
Tylenol is a popular, safe, and effective medication forfeverand pain.
It has been available since the 1950s.
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What Is Tylenol?
Tylenol contains the active drug acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen is ananalgesic(pain reliever) andantipyretic(fever-reducer).
It lowers body temperature due to its effects on thehypothalamusthe part of the brain that controls temperature.
Tylenolalleviates painby interfering with the body’s sensation of pain.
It won’t take care of the cause of pain but can mask it for a while.
COX-2 is an enzyme that affects how your body feels pain.
If it’s blocked, then you feel less pain.
If you haveliver disease, speak with your healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen.
Generally, patients with liver disease should take no more than 2,000 mg of acetaminophen within 24 hours.
Individuals with severe liver disease may need to take less.
Additionally, medications can interact.
So, if you take other drugs, herbs, orsupplements, understand if they can interact with Tylenol.
Anti-coagulants (such as Warfarin) and alcohol are the two main substances that can negatively interact with Tylenol.
How Tylenol Affects the Liver
Tylenol is quickly absorbed into the blood through thegastrointestinal tract.
Theliverbreaks down most of the drug into safe components that are removed from the body in the urine.
However, a small amount of Tylenol metabolizes into a harmful byproduct called NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine).
A liver enzyme enzyme calledcytochromeP450 is required to break down Tylenol.
Cytochrome P450 is also involved in breaking down alcohol.
The altered metabolism can lead to the buildup of toxic byproducts faster than your body can excrete them.
This buildup can cause liver damage with much lower doses of Tylenol.
So, ideally, don’t drink and take Tylenol.
Tylenol can also impact other organs.
Symptoms
It can take time to notice the signs and symptoms of an acetaminophen overdose.
Liver dysfunction may not present for 24 to 72 hours post-ingestion.
Signs of Liver Failure
As liver function declines, you may experience one of several symptoms.
How Tylenol Overdose Is Treated
Tylenol overdoseis common.
In kids, it is usually due to parents accidentally giving the wrong dose.
Treatment depends on timing.
N-acetylcysteineis the primary treatment for acetaminophen overdoses.
A special chart, theRumack-Matthew nomogram, is used to determine acetaminophen levels and guide treatment.
If the acetaminophen level plots below the chart’s threshold, long-term liver damage is unlikely.
If levels are above the threshold, long-term liver damage is more likely, and treatment is initiated.
Ideally, acetaminophen levels are calculated at four hours post-ingestion and used to determine treatment.
Someacetaminophen formulations are extended-release.
If both levels are below the treatment threshold, toxicity is unlikely.
If possible, a toxicologist is consulted.
Additional treatments, such asdialysis, might be necessary in severe cases.
Tylenol overdose is an emergency.
Fortunately, an antidote for Tylenol overdose exists and is called N-acetylcysteine.
However, Tylenol is bad for your liver if too much is taken.
If you or someone you know overdoses on Tylenol, seek emergency medical care immediately for treatment.
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