Acetaminophen (paracetamol in Europe) has long been known to cause liver failure. But now researchers reveal why its the number one cause of acute liver failure. And even more troubling, many people don’t realize they are overdosing on this common medication.
What does the liver do?
The liver filters and detoxifies blood. Additionally it breaks down and stores cholesterol and lipids and produces proteins. The liver also produces bile that gets stored in the gall bladder to help digest food after eating. It is one of the few organs in the body that can regenerate itself when tissue is damaged. So its troubled scientists how drug toxicity could irreversibly damage the liver to the same degree hepatitis, cirrhosis and cancer do. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh studied human and mouse liver cells and now know why.
What is liver failure?
In order for the liver cell to work, it needs to work in concert with the cells surrounding it but work in separate groupings, each with a different function. Excessive acetaminophen (the main ingredient in Tylenol) disrupts these cell connections, called “tight junctions”, hence the cells don’t function properly. “Failure” of an organ, such as “liver failure”, “heart failure”, and “renal failure” occur when the cells of the organ aren’t healthy enough to allow the organ to function.
Signs and symptoms of liver failure include: jaundice (yellow color to skin and eyes), fatigue, weakness, easy bleeding, nausea, diarrhea, confusion to name a few.
Knowing the mechanism of injury to the hepatocytes, liver cells, may allow scientists to create a means to repair liver cells that can’t be repaired themselves. Or design a pain reliever that doesn’t damage the liver.
How much acetaminophen is toxic?
Taking more than 4 grams a day could be considered and “overdose” and toxic. Frighteningly, this level is commonly consumed on a daily basis. Over the counter an “extra strength” dose contains 500 mg of acetaminophen. So if a person takes 1-2 pills every 4-6 hours, they can easily take 4 grams a day. Add a pain medication such as Vicodin or Percocet which contain acetaminophen, or a cough and cold remedy, or even an over the counter sleeping aid which may contain it as well, and its no surprise so many end up in the emergency room.
The following is a list of over the counter medications that may contain acetaminophen (provided by knowyourdose.org)
Some Common Over-the-Counter Brand Name Drugs That Contain Acetaminophen
Actifed®
Alka-Seltzer Plus®
Anacin®
Cepacol®
Contac®
Coricidin®
Dayquil®
Dimetapp®
Dristan®
Excedrin®
Feverall®
Formula 44®
Goody’s® Powders
Liquiprin®
Midol®
Mucinex®
Nyquil®
Panadol®
Robitussin®
Saint Joseph® Aspirin-Free
Singlet®
Sinutab®
Sudafed®
Theraflu®
Triaminic®
TYLENOL® Brand Products
Vanquish®
Vicks®
*And store brands
Some Common Prescription Drugs That Contain Acetaminophen (or APAP)
Butalbital®
Endocet®
Fioricet®
Hycotab®
Hydrocet®
Hydrocodone Bitartrate®
Lortab®
MIDRIN®
NORCO®
Oxycodone®
Percocet®
Phenaphen®
ROXICET ™
Sedapap®
Tapanol®
Tramadol
TYLENOL® with Codeine
Tylox®
Ultracet®
Vicodin®
Zydone®
*And generic drugs
We recommend discussing all your medication, especially over the counter, with your medical provider, and to not assume just because its available without a prescription, its safe in any dose.
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Daliah Wachs, MD, FAAFP is a nationally syndicated radio personality on GCN Network, iHeart Radio and Board Certified Family Physician