University of Florida's Pharm.D. program highlights risks associated with APAP

Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter drugs for pain relief, but it has been at the center of debate over its safety as overdoses and misuses are being linked to a number of serious health issues, the university noted. For instance, there is a 123% increase in the risk of kidney disease when acetaminophen is combined with a small-to-moderate amount of alcohol, and taking as few as 4-to-5 extra strength pills over the course of 24 hours can cause liver damage. 

 

More than 600 medications contain acetaminophen, including those that are over-the-counter and by prescription only. Individuals who take several medications a day should take care to note if there is acetaminophen contained in each one, and how much there is in the medication. It can be easy to take too much, which is considered to be over 4,000 mg per day, according to the Food and Drug Administration. 

 

Source: University of Florida's Pharm.D. program