Acetaminophen

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The FDA is attempting to regulate the sales of acetaminophen, better known as Tylenol. They already have their hands full regulating our sugar intake, alcohol consumption, tobacco products, and diet pills, but evidently they are convinced that the American public is too stupid to take care of themselves. This situation reminds me of the warnings on a cup of coffee that "it is hot."

Why do they think that this common pain killer that has been on the market for over 50 years needs to be taken off the shelves? In recent years, the pharmaceutical companies have been adding acetaminophen to more and more of their drugs, like Darvocet, Percocet, Loratab, and Vicodin. The fear is that people who take these prescription drugs will overdose on acetaminophen when they take the prescription with an over-the-counter product, or take the two medicines in too short of a time span. Last year several infant's and children's medicines were pulled from the shelves for this same concern. Last year the sale of acetaminophen was well over $2.6 billion with about 80% of those sales being products that contain the pain killer, so the pharmaceutical companies are definitely against this regulation.

But Tylenol is harmless! What is the worst that could happen? Well, for starters it causes liver damage. The FDA believes that 56,000 people a year go to the emergency room with liver failure brought on by acetaminophen overdose. It increases the liver enzymes which can cause the damage. Common sense dictates that this increase over long periods of time will cause more and more damage and that individuals with a damaged liver will suffer even more. There are other myths that it may cause gastrointestinal problems or even contribute to asthma, but I found no reputable documentation to back these claims.

So, how much can I take? Well, 325 mg every 4 hours is the limit. That means you can take 2 regular strength Tylenol every 6 hours, not to exceed 8 tablets in a 24 hour day. You should check all over-the-counter medicine labels to see how much acetaminophen they contain before taking them, and most especially before taking combinations of drugs. Ask your pharmacist about your prescriptions. A good rule of thumb is "If the pain is so bad that a dose of acetaminophen doesn't help, then see your doctor to find out what the problem is." Don't just take more of it!

Is it safe for my kids? Sure, within reason. I rarely give Tylenol to my boys, because quite frankly, I don't want them growing up to be pill poppers who have no stamina for the general aches and pains of life. However, when I do give it to them, I have a handy-dandy little chart (provided by their pediatrician) taped to the inside of my medicine cabinet so that I know exactly how much to give them. It reads as follows:

Infants' Concentrated Drops (80mg/0.8mL = 1 dropperful):
0-3 mths (6-11 lbs) - 0.4 mL
4-11 mths (12-17 lbs) - 0.8 mL
12-23 mths (18-23 lbs) - 0.8 + 0.4 mL
2-3 years (24-35 lbs0 - 0.8 + 0.8 mL

Children's Suspension Liquid (5 mL = 1 teaspoon):
4-11 mths (12-17 lbs) - 1/2 tsp
12-23 mths (18-23 lbs) - 3/4 tsp
2-3 years (24-35 lbs) - 1 tsp
4-5 years (36-47 lbs) - 1-1/2 tsp
6-8 years (48-59 lbs) - 2 tsp
9-10 years (60-71 lbs) - 2-1/2 tsp
11 years (72-95 lbs) - 3 tsp

Children's Soft Chews Chewable Tablets (80 mg each):
2-3 years (24-35 lbs) - 2
4-5 years (36-47 lbs) - 3
6-8 years (48-59 lbs) - 4
9-10 years (60-71 lbs) - 5
11 years (72-95 lbs) - 6

Junior Strength Chewable Tablets (160 mg each):
6-8 years (48-59 lbs) - 2
9-10 years (60-71 lbs) - 2-1/2
11 years (72-95 lbs) - 3
12 years (96 lbs & over) - 4

According to our pediatrician, it is far more important to go by the weight than the child's age. Don't estimate the measurements. Use the droppers or measuring cups included in the packaging.

The Point: Too much of a good thing is never good. I don't need the government to read a label for me. Knowledge is power and those who insist on going through life in a blissful ignorance deserve whatever consequences they face. I want the option to give my son some moderately inexpensive medicine occasionally rather than spend hundreds of dollars on a doctor's visit every, single time he has a mild ache. Our government says they are so concerned with the rising cost of health care, but how much more will it rise if we cannot self-medicate for minor, temporary health problems?