This drug is the number one cause of liver failure in the United States. These four tips will help you use it safely.
What's being done about acetaminophen overdoses? 
If you're like most Americans, you've probably taken a drug that contains acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient found in many popular pain relievers, fever reducers, and cold and allergy medicines. And like most Americans, you probably don't realize that acetaminophen is the number one cause of liver failure in the United States.
When used correctly, acetaminophen is safe, but accidentally overdosing is all too easy.
According to the Federal Drug Administration (FDA), overdosing on acetaminophen sends nearly 56,000 Americans to the emergency room each year, resulting in more than 400 deaths annually. Here's what you can do to protect yourself and your family:
1. Check labels to make sure you're not taking more than one product with acetaminophen. You should never take more than one drug containing acetaminophen, as you could exceed the recommended dosage and put your liver at risk. The FDA's current maximum daily adult dose is 4,000 milligrams (although they may lower it).
Hundreds of over-the-counter (OTC) brands—including Tylenol®, Excedrin®, Nyquil®, TheraFlu®, Benadryl®, Midol®, and Alka-Seltzer®—contain acetaminophen, as do common "combination" prescriptions like Vicodin® (hydrocodone/acetaminophen) and Percocet® (oxycodone/acetaminophen). Billions of doses of products containing acetaminophen are purchased by consumers each year. That's why it's so important to check for acetaminophen under the "Active Ingredients" on the Drug Facts label of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or to check the label of prescription drugs.
If you have questions about whether a drug contains acetaminophen or whether certain drugs can be taken at the same time, always ask your doctor or pharmacist.
2. Never take more acetaminophen than directed. Some people believe that it won't hurt to take an extra pill, or to not wait the recommended time between doses. But taking even a small amount more acetaminophen than directed can cause liver damage. Be sure that you understand:
- How much of the product containing acetaminophen that you can take at one time
- How many hours you must wait before taking another dose of acetaminophen
- How many doses you can safely take each day
- When to stop taking acetaminophen and ask a doctor for help
3. Talk to your doctor before taking acetaminophen if you have three or more drinks per day or if you have liver disease. In these cases, taking even the recommended dose of acetaminophen could harm your liver. Your doctor may recommend a lower dose or that you avoid acetaminophen completely.
4. Never give children acetaminophen products meant for adults. Acetaminophen is generally safe for children when they are given the recommended dose for their weight and height and when all instructions for the medicine are followed. Always use the measuring tool that comes with the medicine, not a spoon. Like adults, children should never be given more than one acetaminophen product at a time.
For more information on acetaminophen and liver damage, please see the FDA's Q&A.
