Q. What is acetaminophen and why do I see it listed on so many products in my medicine cabinet?

Acetaminophen is the most widely-used pain-reliever and fever-reducer in the world.

It is contained in more than 100 products. Tylenol is the best known over-the-counter (OTC) acetaminophen product. It is also a component of well-known prescription drugs such as Darvocet and Percocet.

Acetaminophen also is known as paracetamol and N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP).

Acetaminophen is available without a prescription. Follow the directions on the package label carefully. If your doctor prescribes it for you, the prescription label will tell you how often to take it.

Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. The risk for liver damage may increase if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks while using medicine that contain acetaminophen.

When dose recommendations are followed, the risk of liver toxicity is extremely small.

Adults should not take more than 3,000 mg of acetaminophen a day. You should take less if you are more than 65-years-old. Taking more can lead to a severe overdose problems. If you have liver or kidney disease, you should discuss the use of this drug with your health care provider.

Acetaminophen is one of the most common pharmaceutical agents involved in overdose, as reported to the American Association of Poison Control Centers.

One of the problems with acetaminophen is its widespread use. You have to check your medicine cabinet to see what products contain acetaminophen. Then, if you’re taking more than one medication, be sure you don’t exceed the maximum daily dose.

Acetaminophen should not be taken for high fever, for fever lasting more than three days, or for recurrent fever without a doctor’s supervision.

There are two types of Over-The-Counter (OTC) pain-relievers. Some contain acetaminophen and others contain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Examples of OTC NSAIDs are: aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).

NSAIDs are associated with stomach distress. You should talk to your doctor before using NSAIDS if you are more than age 60, taking prescription blood thinners, have stomach ulcers or other bleeding problems.

NSAIDs can also cause damage to the kidneys. The risk of kidney damage may increase in people who are more than age 60, have high blood pressure, heart disease or pre-existing kidney disease, and people who are taking a diuretic.

You should talk with a healthcare professional if you have questions about using an OTC medicine before using it in combination with other medicine, either OTC or prescription medicine. Combining prescription medicines and OTC medicines can lead to problematic drug interactions.

All older adults should consult their doctors before taking any OTC medication or herbal.

Often, older adults use many drugs at the same time, including prescription and OTC drugs. They also process drugs differently than younger adults. This is why older adults need to be especially careful about drug-drug interactions.

If you’re a senior, talk with your doctor about all of the drugs and herbal health products you take. He or she can tell you whether you are at risk for having a bad reaction from taking an OTC drug.

Have a question? Email: fred@healthygeezer.com. Order “How To Be A Healthy Geezer,” 218-page compilation of columns: healthygeezer.com

All Rights Reserved &Copy; 2022 Fred Cicetti

The Times News, Inc., and affiliates (Lehigh Valley Press) do not endorse or recommend any medical products, processes, or services or provide medical advice. The views of the columnist and column do not necessarily state or reflect those of the Lehigh Valley Press. The article content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health-care provider, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.