Tylenol / Acetaminophen

Tylenol is the most popular painkiller in the United States as Americans consume over 8 billion Tylenol pills each year. Tylenol or acetaminophen is typically used as a pain-reliever (analgesic) and fever-reducer (anti-pyretic). Acetaminophen can also be found in many over-the-counter and prescription medications such as Nyquil, Robitussin, Benadryl, Alka-Seltzer, Vicodin, Percocet, Darvocet, and more.

Medical professionals have identified that large doses or long-term use of acetaminophens can cause liver damage which may lead to liver failure and death. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. The severity of this problem has lead to several studies and an educational campaign launched by the FDA.

The American Liver Foundation states that Acetaminophen is normally a safe drug but turns into a hepatotoxin when dosed incorrectly or under certain conditions. Unfortunately, many people do not take the recommended doses or unknowingly take Tylenol in combination with other medications or with alcohol. The recommended daily dosage for adults is 4000 mg but this dosage should be cut in half when using extra-strength Tylenol, when consuming alcohol, or when using other drugs containing acetaminophen. Parents administering Children's Tylenol need to be especially cautious as recommended child dosages can range from 80-160 mg.

Consumers with a decreased liver function, kidney disease, hepatitis, malnutrition, AIDS, chronic ethanol abuse, or anorexia nervosa may be at increased risk for liver failure and death when using Tylenol. For diabetics, acetaminophen may also affect the results of blood glucose (sugar) tests. Some acetaminophen drugs may contain aspartame, sulfites or caffeine. While Tylenol has been on the market for 50 years, many professionals feel that the proper dosage of acetaminophen for children and adults is still unknown and more testing and education is necessary to prevent liver damage and accidental deaths.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in a variety of over-the-counter drugs, most notably Tylenol. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of calls to the Poison Control Centers across the United States. It is estimated that acetaminophen poisoning calls exceed 100,000 per year. Studies indicate that acetaminophen overdose results in over 56,000 injuries, 2,500 hospitalizations, and an estimated 450 deaths per year.

The most significant risk involving acetaminophen is acute liver toxicity. Data acquired from the U.S. Acute Liver Failure Study Group registry indicates that nearly 50% of all acute liver failure in this country is linked to acetaminophen poisoning. There have even been reported cases of acute liver toxicity in individuals whose acetaminophen dosage did not exceed 4 grams/day. Surprisingly, a dosage of 4 grams/day falls within the recommended dosage for Extra Strength Tylenol.

Acetaminophen based drugs have been the cause of acute liver failure in hospitals around the country. While the drug can be safe in small doses, it can potentially be fatal for those who consume alcohol, take the drug in high doses, or simply use it regularly.

Tylenol in the News

Overdosing on acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is now the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. (Dec-01-05) [FORBES]

The FDA announced that the maker of Tylenol was recalling Children's TYLENOL SoftChews 80mg and Junior TYLENOL Meltaways 160mg with recognition that the package design and product information may be confusing and could lead to improper dosing, including over-dosing. (Jun-03-05) [FDA WEBSITE]

McNeil Consumer & Specialty Pharmaceuticals informed consumers that Children's Motrin Grape Chewable Tablets may accidentally contain Tylenol 8-Hour extended release which provides an adult dosage of acetaminophen and may be harmful to children. (May-12-04) [FDA WEBSITE]

Register your Tylenol Complaint

If you or a loved one has suffered from liver failure or overdose from using Tylenol or other drugs containing acetaminophen, you may qualify for damages or remedies that may be awarded in a possible class action lawsuit. Please click the link below to submit your complaint and we will have a lawyer review your Tylenol complaint.

Justice for Everyone