Acetaminophen overdose has been in the news and a subject of concern lately. What is it, what does it do to my liver, and how can I defend myself? Find out here.
Acetaminophen (or paracetamol in Great Britain) is used by many people today as an over-the-counter medicine for pain relief and to scale back fever. Acetaminophen is also an active ingredient in many over-the-counter cold, flu, and sleeping treatments. It is the active ingredient in many accepted pain relievers such as over the counter drugs Tylenol, Excedrin, and prescription brands Vicoden and Percocet.
Acetaminophen rapidly became popular when it was introduced into the market in the 1950’s since it didn’t contain the warnings for gastrointestinal bleeding and stomach upset that aspirin did. As a result, people may tend to down them quite regularly with little thought. This is not without critical risk.
On June 29 and 30, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration advisory board held meetings to debate the safety of acetaminophen and likely new rules for safe utilization of this drug. Why the worries? Acetaminophen, when taken in accordance with labels, has been regarded as generally secure. It is widely used by millions at safe levels with minimum side effects. On the other hand, when these guidelines are surpassed, this is called acetaminophen overdose.
The dangers of acetaminophen? A lot of people think of excessive drinking or hepatitis as the most common causes of liver failure. They are not. Acetaminophen overdose is the major reason for liver damage in the United States. This can be manifested by abnormal liver function, raised liver enzymes, or even liver failure and death. Acetaminophen leaves contaminated residues in the liver, and the liver requires assistance to eliminate them from your body. These deposits can develop over time if your liver doesn’t have what it needs to complete the task. Research has shown us that acetaminophen was the leading reason for acute liver collapse in the U.S. from 1998 to 2003.
In the United Kingdom, where acetaminophen is called paracetamol, it is common practice for those wanting to commit suicide to blend alcohol and acetaminophen, which is one of the perils of acetaminophen, and so this can lead to liver failure. This may prove fatal if not treated immediately. Consequently, the packaging has been changed on products in that country, and limits have been placed on its purchase. The warnings are quite clear on the label, and as a result, we have seen fewer cases of suicide efforts with paracetamol overdose. The easiest method to treat acetaminophen overdose in Europe if the patient gets to a medical center in time is to give large amounts of a drug called N-acetyl-cysteine or NAC. This quickly raises a protein called glutathione in the sufferer’s system, and they could get sick from the significant dosage, however it keeps their liver from failing completely and can save their life in this extreme scenario.
To avoid these risks of acetaminophen, an important step you may take is to read all the information on the label, and follow dosing directions carefully. Do not take more than the suggested dose, although you may think you may need it. One distinction between acetaminophen and other anesthetics is that the window between therapeutic and toxic doses is much narrower than some other drugs. With acetaminophen, there isn’t much room for error. On the label it’ll indicate how long or for what number of days you need to take the drugs. Follow this measure cautiously as well. Generally, you shouldn’t be taking this for more than 10 days in a row. Seek medical assistance if your problem persists.
And read the labels of all the medicines you’re taking to make sure that you aren’t “doubling up” on safe dosages to prevent risks of acetaminophen and acetaminophen overdose. Don’t mix acetaminophen with liquor. This increases the poisonous load on the liver.
Know what to search for. Some of the signs of acetaminophen overdose mimc flu symptoms. In this case, you may think you have the flu, but if you’ve been taking acetaminophen for a few days, it is a good idea to seek medical attention immediately. It may save your valuable life! Obviously, a common sense approach would be to stay well beneath the established guidelines if you can to protect your liver even further. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure!
The best way to avoid acetaminophen and liver injury is to look after your liver and ensure it’s not crammed with contaminants to begin with. Additionally, pay attention to all toxins that your liver is exposed to, whether this be in the form of over-the-counter or prescription medications, liquor, or some other toxins in your environment. It’s also worth noting that use of acetaminophen depletes the amount of protective glutathione in your system. The Food and Drug Administration has a Power Point Presentation that includes a set of glutathione burning substances. This list includes acetaminophen , alcohol, tobacco use and caffeine. So when you’re taking this medicine, it would be good to make sure you are boosting your glutathione levels at the same time to help your liver to get rid of it from your body preventing liver damage.
For a long term preventive approach for acetaminophen and liver damage, you’ll need a dual strategy. Don’t overload your liver with toxins, and then give your liver what it needs to deal with the chemicals and toxins that you are in contact with.
In conclusion, what’s acetaminophen overdose? It’s the prime cause of liver damage in the US, and is the result of taking more acetaminophen than the recommended safe dose. To prevent acetaminophen toxicity, please read the labels on all medications you take cautiously. To guard your liver from acetaminophen overdose, don’t exceed the safe dose, limit your drug and toxin exposure, and keep your glutathione levels high. This may prevent liver damage and keep your liver healthy. And if your liver is good, you are healthier!
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