Posts Tagged ‘liver failure’

Acetaminophen is found in a number of prescriptive medications and over-the-counter drugs. It is in over-the-counter preparations such as Tylenol and generic equivalents. Several painkillers contain a combination of acetaminophen and caffeine. A survey by the Slone Epidemiology Center of Boston University showed that acetaminophen is the most used drug in America. It is taken weekly by about one in five adults. Acetaminophen dangers come from using it according to directions as well as going above the stated guidelines.

In America, inappropriate use has been cited as the cause of acute liver failure. When you take acetaminophen medication along side either coffee, or caffeinated soft drinks, you risk liver damage. The findings were reported in the October 2007 issue of the Journal Chemical Research in Toxicology. It was taken from the preliminary laboratory study conducted at the University of Washington in Seattle. Now the brains behind the formulas that combine acetaminophen and caffeine to stop pain from either migraines, or PMS symptoms, may be killing more than the pain.

Most people know or hopefully know that consuming alcohol with acetaminophen-containing medication can cause live damage. Along with the typical American diet that puts you at risk for fatty liver syndrome, acetaminophen puts you at risk for liver damage. There is another very disturbing finding. that has come to light recently. The problem is when you do not eat much because of a stomach virus, flu, or dental work; you are at a higher risk of acetaminophen liver damage even with the recommended doses. Under regular conditions the enzymes in your liver help remove toxins produced by the drug. When you go a long period of even days without much food those enzymes do not work as well.

Fasting reduces the store of glutathione, which is needed to metabolize acetaminophen safely. Acetaminophen dangers occur even at recommended doses. There is a risk of liver damage even when you follow instructions. This drug puts children and adults at risk just from vomiting or having their calories reduced because of illness. The drug can also damage the kidneys, when used over an extended period. About 10 percent of kidney failure is linked to acetaminophen. Acetaminophen dangers are real, and reflect the problems with relying on chemical answers to health problems.