FitSugar

FDA Takes a Closer Look at Tylenol

FitSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 16:16:06 -0700

I've never been able to get a clear answer on whether Tylenol plus alcohol can harm your liver. Though acetaminophen can lead to liver damage when taken in large doses, many questions remain about its short-term dangers, particularly when combined with recreational drinking. Now, the FDA wants some answers.

The agency is meeting to determine if and how it should revise its guidelines on acetaminophen, including recommended dosage and the possibility of pulling "combination drugs" like NyQuil from shelves. Here's why:

. . . overdoses of acetaminophen have been linked to 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and 458 deaths during the 1990s, according to the FDA, citing one study.

The agency cited another study, a 2007 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention population-based report, that estimated that acetaminophen was the likely cause of most of the estimated 1,600 acute liver failures each year.

Especially troubling are products such as NyQuil and Pamprin that aren't expressly sold as pain relievers but which contain acetaminophen. With those scary statistics, it sounds like it's high time the FDA addressed this issue. Do you worry about your acetaminophen intake?

Caffeine + Tylenol = Not Good

FitSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 10:15:00 -0700

A new study has shown that when high doses of caffeine and acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) are taken together, it could lead to liver damage. This combination produces a byproduct enzyme that can be toxic to the liver. Sounds a bit scary, I know. So read on for more details.

It requires more than just taking two Tylenol with your morning cup of coffee to create this toxic effect. It takes excessive amounts of caffeine to produce this reaction - we're talking about 20 cups of coffee! The bad news is that the combination of alcohol and acetaminophen can also damage your liver. So if you are ingesting high amounts of caffeine, acetaminophen, and alcohol, your liver could be at risk. Otherwise, for most people, you don't need to worry. It is interesting to note that many OTC painkillers, like those for migraines, do contain caffeine.

Source & Source

Liver Damage and OTC Pain Medication

FitSugar — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 13:30:00 -0700

Did you start your new Spring exercise regimen with a little too much gusto? Running for 60 minutes seemed like a great idea at the time right? Now every muscle in your legs is screaming with pain so you're going to take some pain medication, but you want to avoid the one that can cause liver damage. Do you remember which one it is?

Common Painkillers Linked to High Blood Pressure

FitSugar — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 12:00:03 -0800

It's been recently reported that if you are frequently popping over-the-counter pain meds, you should know that they can raise your blood pressure, which in turn can lead to heart disease.

Although men were the subject of this recent study, it confirms earlier research conducted on the effects of OTC pain medication on women's blood pressure.

The medications studied are staples in your medicine cabinet like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Researchers found, when reviewing data from both studies, that men and women who took these drugs for 6-7 days in a week were 1/3 more likely to develop high blood pressure.

The study showed that men who took acetaminophen were 34% more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure. Men who took aspirin were 26% more likely to have high blood pressure than non-users. Those who used ibuprofen increased their risk by 38%.

These drugs can affect the ability of blood vessels to expand and may also cause sodium retention, which are 2 factors that can both raise blood pressure.

Fit's Tips: If you've been advised by your doctor to take 1 aspirin a day, you should stick with it. If you're popping 8 ibuprofen pills a day to combat lower back pain, you should reconsider your strategy. See if you can fix the problem rather than just masking the pain.

Ibuprofen Beats Acetaminophen for Menstrual Pain

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:15:00 -0800

Although both ibuprofen and acetaminophen reduce menstrual pain, ibuprofen appears to be more potent for pain relief.

Although ibuprofen is accepted as an effective treatment for painful periods, or dysmenorrhea, there is still controversy about the usefulness of acetaminophen.

To investigate further, a small trial was conducted involving 12 women with dysmenorrhea. They were given three different treatments in random order for three different periods: 1000 milligrams of acetaminophen, 400 milligrams of ibuprofen, or an inactive placebo, four times daily for three days.

The women rated the active medications as being more effective than the placebo. However, it appears that ibuprofen has a greater effect, and patients also preferred it.

Well there you have it. When a heating pad doesn't cut it for cramps, I'm reaching for some good old ibuprofen.

Everything in Moderation, Even Tylenol

FitSugar — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 17:12:36 -0800

Here is a caution if you have a cold and are taking medication to control the symptoms: It is really easy to overdose on acetaminophen.

Time and CNN recently reported that:

The Food and Drug Administration wants you to think twice about all that self-medicating you're doing with over-the-counter remedies. Every year, the agency says, about half of the deaths associated with taking painkillers containing acetaminophen are due to unintended overdoses.

It seems the acetaminophen is the primary ingredient in Tylenol as well as many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies. Folks are often not aware of that and are taking too many of both medications at once. An overdose of acetaminophen can cause liver damage, since it is the liver that breaks down and metabolizes the drug. About 200 of the 20 million Americans taking acetaminophen die of accidental over dose each year.

The FDA is proposing a warning label on all medications containing acetaminophen and you should know that the average adult should not exceed 4g of acetaminophen a day . Until the label becomes law be sure to read the ingredients of all your over the counter drugs and follow the recommended dosage. It is also a good idea to drink plenty of liquids when you're sick and this will help your liver too.

What a Pain!

FitSugar — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 17:30:00 -0800

CNN reported that there has been a recall of the pain reliever acetaminophen. The recall affects 11 million bottles containing varying quantities of 500-milligram acetaminophen caplets made by the Perrigo Co.

If you took a pain reliever today and want to know if you should head to the doctor, read more

Acetaminophen is best known as the drug in products sold under the Tylenol brand, but is widely available in typically less expensive generic versions. The drug, along with aspirin and ibuprofen, is one of the most widely used pain relievers available without a doctor's note.

Tylenol however, has been reported to not be affected.

The FDA has said that the contaminated pills have metal fragments ranging in size from "microdots" to portions of wire one-third of an inch long.

The FDA reassures us by letting us know that those who take any of the contaminated pills could suffer minor stomach discomfort or possible cuts to the mouth and throat, but serious injury is unlikely. Thanks for the heads up FDA but I'm still going check my cabinets.

You can check the FDA's Batch List (if you can figure it out) or the store list for a list of stores that possibly carried the recalled pain reliever.

Nothing cures a headache like ingesting a one-third of an inch portion of a wire.

Antihistamine/acetaminophen (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:09:57 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Treats aches, pains, trouble sleeping, and allergy symptoms such as itchy, watery eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat.

Brand Name(s)

Cefinal II, The Medicine Shoppe Medi-Tabs PM, Good Sense Pain Reliever & Sleep Aid PM, Night-Time Pain Reliever/Sleep Aid, Rite Aid Acetaminophen PM, Non-Aspirin PM Extra Strength, Tylenol PM Extra Strength, Tylenol Cold Relief, Tylenol Day & Night, Quality Choice Leg Pain Relief PM, Excedrin PM, Good Sense Headache Relief, Good Sense Allergy Severe, Percogesic Extra Strength, Quality Choice Cold Relief

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen (Tylenol®), or to diphenhydramine (Benadryl®). Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Capsule, Tablet, Packet, Liquid

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
If you are using this medicine without a prescription, follow the instructions on the medicine label.
Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
Place the oral powder on your tongue, and then take a drink of water or another liquid. You may also put the powder into a glass of water or other liquid, stir it, and then drink it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen or diphenhydramine, including topical (skin) medicine. You may be getting more than a safe amount of these medicines.
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen taken with alcohol can increase your risk of damage to your liver. If you regularly drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take any medicines that contain acetaminophen without asking your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have glaucoma, kidney problems, or liver problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of breathing problems such as asthma or COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis). Make sure your doctor knows if you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol on a regular basis. Make sure your doctor knows if you have had an allergic reaction to any antihistamine, and about any other health problems you may have.
Do not give this medicine to anyone under 12 years of age, unless a doctor tells you to.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Do not use this medicine for more than 10 days. Do not use this medicine to treat fever for more than 3 days, unless a doctor tells you to do so. If you have trouble sleeping that lasts for longer than 2 weeks, stop using this medicine and talk to your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Redness or swelling.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5323

Acetaminophen/guaifenesin/phenylephrine (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:12:54 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Guaifenesin (gwye-FEN-e-sin), Phenylephrine (fen-il-EF-rin)

Treats stuffy nose, fever, sinus headaches, and mild aches caused by hay fever, colds, flu, or other conditions. This medicine may also help loosen mucus in upper airways.

Brand Name(s)

Lusonex Plus, Tylenol Sinus Congestion & Pain, Tylenol Sinus, Duratuss A, CCP

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, guaifenesin, phenylephrine, or to any other pain, or cough and cold medicines. Do not use this medicine if you have high blood pressure, a heart or heart rhythm problem, a blood vessel disorder, or thyroid problem. You should not also use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate® within the past 14 days. Do not give any over-the-counter (OTC) cough and cold medicine to a baby or child under 2 years old. Using these medicines in very young children might cause serious or possibly life-threatening side effects.

How to Use This Medicine

Long Acting Tablet, Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).
It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Swallow the extended-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

There are many other medicines that interact with acetaminophen, guaifenesin, and phenylephrine. These especially include MAO inhibitors (such as Eldepryl®, Marplan®, Nardil®, or Parnate®), beta-blockers (such as atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol, propranolol, timolol, Inderal®, or Toprol®), indomethacin, or methyldopa (Aldomet®). Tell your doctor if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®), guanethidine (Ismelin®), mecamylamine (Inversine), reserpine, or veratrum alkaloids.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver and drinking alcohol can increase the risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.
Do not also use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not also contain acetaminophen.
Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, eye problem such as glaucoma, thyroid problem, liver problem, kidney problem, or enlarged prostate. Also tell your doctor if you drink alcohol often.
Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat.
Feeling extremely confused, depressed, fearful, or anxious.
Headache.
Hearing or seeing things that are not really there.
Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
Painful urination.
Seizures or tremors.
Trouble breathing.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dry mouth, or sweating a lot.
Nausea or vomiting.
Rash or pale skin.
Trouble sleeping.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5542

Acetaminophen/salicylamide (By mouth)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:14:15 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

Acetaminophen (a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen), Salicylamide (sal-i-SIL-a-mide)

Treats mild to moderate pain. Also treats fever and other symptoms of colds or flu.

Brand Name(s)

Frenadol

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen or salicylamide, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or if you are taking a medicine to prevent blood clotting.

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet

Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
This combination medicine contains acetaminophen (Tylenol(R)). Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using because they may also contain acetaminophen. It is not safe to use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) of acetaminophen in one day (24 hours).

If a dose is missed:

If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Make sure your doctor knows if you are using phenobarbital or a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®).
Do not use other medicines that contain acetaminophen, or you may be getting more than a safe amount of this medicine. Many combination medicines contain acetaminophen, including products with brand names such as Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Comtrex®, Drixoral®, Excedrin Migraine®, Midol®, Sinutab®, Sudafed®, Theraflu®, and Vanquish®. Carefully check the labels of all other medicines you are using to be sure they do not contain acetaminophen.
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver. Drinking alcohol can increase this risk. If you regularly drink 3 or more alcoholic drinks every day, do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have a history of asthma or an allergy to aspirin.
Salicylamide can cause a rare but serious illness called Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers. Do not give this medicine to a child or teenager who has fever, chickenpox, or symptoms of the flu or a viral infection, unless your doctor has told you to. If a child has behavior changes along with nausea and vomiting while using this medicine, call the child's doctor right away.
Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
Dark-colored urine or pale stools.
Dizziness or drowsiness.
Fast or deep breathing.
Lightheadedness or fainting.
Pinpoint red or purple spots under your skin.
Red or black stools.
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Dry mouth.
Headache.
Heartburn.
Increased sweating.
Lack or loss of appetite.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Ringing in the ears.
Skin rash.
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_5635