Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in medications like Fioricet, is generally safe when used as directed, but it can cause liver damage when taken in excessive amounts or in combination with alcohol. Here are some important warnings and precautions regarding acetaminophen:
- Liver Toxicity: Acetaminophen overdose can cause severe liver damage, potentially leading to liver failure and death. Taking more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen, using multiple acetaminophen-containing products simultaneously, or drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen can increase the risk of liver toxicity.
- Maximum Daily Dose: The maximum recommended daily dose of acetaminophen for most adults is 4,000 milligrams (mg). Taking more than this amount in a day can increase the risk of liver damage. It’s important to carefully read the labels of all over-the-counter and prescription medications to ensure you are not inadvertently taking too much acetaminophen.
- Be Aware of Combination Products: Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription medications, including pain relievers, fever reducers, and cold/flu remedies. It’s essential to check the ingredient lists of all medications you are taking to avoid unintentional acetaminophen overdose.
- Alcohol Interaction: Drinking alcohol while taking acetaminophen can increase the risk of liver damage. Individuals who consume alcohol regularly should speak with their healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen-containing medications.
- Underlying Liver Disease: People with liver disease or liver problems should use acetaminophen with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In some cases, acetaminophen may need to be avoided altogether or used at lower doses.
- Symptoms of Overdose: Signs and symptoms of acetaminophen overdose may not be immediately apparent but can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and confusion. In severe cases, acetaminophen overdose can lead to liver failure, coma, and death.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you suspect you have taken too much acetaminophen or are experiencing symptoms of overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Prompt treatment can help prevent serious complications.
Important Acetaminophen Warning from FDA
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage, sometimes serious enough to require liver transplantation or cause death. You might accidentally take too much acetaminophen if you do not follow the directions on the prescription or package label carefully, or if you take more than one product that contains acetaminophen.
To be sure that you take acetaminophen safely, you should
- not take more than one product that contains acetaminophen at a time. Read the labels of all the prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking to see if they contain acetaminophen. Be aware that abbreviations such as APAP, AC, Acetaminophen, Acetaminoph, Acetaminop, Acetamin, or Acetam. may be written on the label in place of the word acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don’t know if a medication that you are taking contains acetaminophen.
- take acetaminophen exactly as directed on the prescription or package label. Do not take more acetaminophen or take it more often than directed, even if you still have fever or pain. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not know how much medication to take or how often to take your medication. Call your doctor if you still have pain or fever after taking your medication as directed.
- be aware that you should not take more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen per day. If you need to take more than one product that contains acetaminophen, it may be difficult for you to calculate the total amount of acetaminophen you are taking. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to help you.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease.
- not take acetaminophen if you drink three or more alcoholic drinks every day. Talk to your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking acetaminophen.
- stop taking your medication and call your doctor right away if you think you have taken too much acetaminophen, even if you feel well.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you have questions about the safe use of acetaminophen or acetaminophen-containing products.