The Truth About Acetaminophen

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Video Transcript

SUBJECT: Acetaminophen is a common drug found in more than 600 medications, but is it safe for you to take? Here's the truth about acetaminophen. Is it safe to take acetaminophen? Yes, it's usually safe when taken according to the directions on the label. But taking more than that can cause liver damage, liver failure, or even death.

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Is there a risk of taking too much or mixing it with other meds? Yes. Be careful about mixing medicines with acetaminophen, like pain relievers, cold meds, or narcotics. To be safe, aim for 3,000 milligrams or less in a day. Will it upset your stomach? No. While NSAIDs can cause stomach and intestinal pain, acetaminophen is easy on the stomach.

Is it OK to take for hangovers? It's usually OK at low doses, but acetaminophen is processed in the liver, just like alcohol. So don't take it if you have more than three alcoholic drinks daily or if you have liver disease.