Abusing Acetaminophen

What is Acetaminophen Abuse?

While you are using Acetaminophen, keep in mind that if Acetaminophen is used inappropriately, it not only loses its effectiveness but can also lead to abuse of medicine. Abusing Acetaminophen refers to misuse and excessive use of the drug which eventually leads to harmful effects. After numerous researches, it has come to attention that even though OTC drugs like Acetaminophen are effective for most people, yet they can be abused and messed up.

Remember, abusing Acetaminophen can lead to severe consequences. In some cases, Acetaminophen abuse has even lead to fatal incidents.

How is Acetaminophen Abused?

You may not realize that you are abusing Acetaminophen intentionally. In many cases, the patients are unaware that they are abusing Acetaminophen. Some people consume extra pills in hope of fast relief. Others unknowingly ingest too much by taking more than one medicine containing Acetaminophen.

Even though the dosage and method of intake is written on the label and warnings are given, people do not really understand or follow them. Most of the people suffering from fever, cold, pain and other maladies take Acetaminophen without consulting their doctor which leads to abuse. Prolonged use of Acetaminophen has also lead to abuse of this drug.

What Happens When Acetaminophen is Abused?

In many cases of Acetaminophen abuse, the risk of liver damage is increased when patients drinks three or more alcoholic beverages at the same time.In the liver, alcohol absorbs the enzyme that metabolizes Acetaminophen, releasing a chain of biochemical events that result in hepatic necrosis. Consumer information warns people who consume three alcoholic drinks daily not to use Acetaminophen at all. Even less alcohol consumed hours earlier, can turn a normal dose of Acetaminophen into a toxic overdose.

For people who are more than 60 years of age, the risk of Acetaminophen abuse is high and abuse can occur very easily. Even in short term usage, there is a risk for stomach bleeding and other disorders. This risk is even greater if the individual is a steady alcohol consumer. Kidney problems are also likely to result with Acetaminophen abuse.

Long term use of Acetaminophen can lead to dependence. The pain may become constant and you may actually get addicted to the drug to find relief. This, in turn may lead to several other problems. The Food and Drug Administration warns consumers that ONLY by following consumer information, they can understand the difference and save themselves from suffering severe and even lethal side effects of this drug.  

How much Acetaminophen Should be Taken to Avoid its Abuse?

Acetaminophen label warns against taking more than two 500 mg tablets, four times daily, i.e. 4 grams in 24 hours. 5 to 6 grams is presumed toxic. 7 to 15 grams is expected to cause acute liver failure, kidney damage and cerebral edema which may even result in death. One large overdose can kill you within hours. Even normal doses are hazardous over a prolonged period of time. The warning label only recommends its unsupervised use till 10 days.

The 4-gram dosage is recommended for normal healthy adults. Tolerance level varies from patient to patient, subjective to age, weight and health. Acetaminophen's toxicity is significantly increased by certain everyday substances among which alcohol is most harmful.

The best way to avoid abusing Acetaminophen is that you should avoid overstocking OTC drugs in home. It is also recommended that you read the consumer information before buying Acetaminophen to understand its potential dangers. The best way to take any medicine is to use it after consulting a doctor.