Know Your Dose.org Campaign Promotes Safe Use of Pain Reliever Acetaminophen
Horizons in Hemophilia, July 2011
By Jeff Cornett, RN, MSN, Director of Training, Research, and Advocacy
Acetaminophen is an ingredient in more than 600 over-the-counter and prescription medicines, including pain relievers, fever reducers, and sleep aids as well as cough, cold, and allergy medicines. It appears in over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol® and NyQuil® and prescription drugs like Vicodin® and Percocet®. Because it’s in so many different medicines, people may be taking more than the recommended amount without realizing it. Acetaminophen is safe and effective when used as directed, but there is a limit to how much you can take in one day. For example, if you’ve taken three doses of Tylenol Arthritis Pain® during the day and then take Nyquil® before going to bed, you’re over the limit. Taking more than directed can lead to liver damage. The risk of liver damage goes up if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day while taking acetaminophen. Get more information at https://www.knowyourdose.org.