Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Health Watch: Acetaminophen Warning
Every day, millions of Americans take acetaminophen for aches and pains.
Acetaminophen is the key ingredient in popular over-the-counter medications like Excedrin, Tylenol,Nyquil, Theraflu, Midol, Benadryl and several prescription painkillers like Vicodin and Percocet.
Today, an FDA panel recommended the maximum daily dose of those pain medications should be cut to try to prevent liver damage.
FDA advisors voted to lower the maximum daily and single doses of acetaminophen to less than 4,000 milligrams, but because it is safe and effective when used properly, manufacturers and consumers want to make sure it’s widely available.
The FDA panel stopped short of pulling NyQuil and other over-the -counter cold and cough medicines containing acetaminophen. Doctors say when people mix these medicines or drink alcohol while taking them it can cause liver damage.
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