Darvocet Lawyers

Because more people may be turning to acetaminophen, let's take a closer look at this popular over-the-counter drug used for pain and fever. Daily dosage is what to watch.

In excessive doses, acetaminophen is toxic to the liver. In fact, it's the most common cause of drug-induced liver failure. Acetaminophen can damage the liver when you take more than the highest recommended daily dose (4,000 mg) at one time, or when you take lower doses several times daily that exceed a total of 4,000 mg daily.

Over-the-counter "extra-strength" acetaminophen pills contain 500 mg. As you can see, eight pills take you to the ceiling limit of 4,000 mg.

Be aware that many commonly used prescription narcotic pain-relievers also contain acetaminophen, including Darvocet N-100, Lortab, Lorcet and Vicodin. These products contain substantial amounts of acetaminophen – from 500 mg to 750 mg per pill. They are prescribed for moderate pain to be taken at intervals of four to six hours when needed.

Taking more than eight pills of the 500 mg products or more than five pills of the 750 mg products a day puts you in the danger zone. Chronic users of alcohol should stay well below the danger zone because alcohol puts an extra burden on the liver. Likewise for those with impaired liver function.

Acetaminophen use in children merits special attention. About 27,000 accidental overdoses of acetaminophen are reported annually in children. The key to avoiding problems is to recognize the difference between acetaminophen infants' drops and children's liquid.

Parents take heed: The infants' formulation is more than three times stronger than the children's product. The infants' product is designed to be given with the supplied dropper. Not realizing the strength difference, parents may use a teaspoon and give the infants' drops in the same amount they would give the children's liquid, resulting in an overdose.

This mistake may be particularly apt to occur in households with children of various ages.

Finally, keep in mind that more than 200 over-the-counter products contain acetaminophen, including remedies for pain, fever and cold and cough. In adding up the total daily dose of acetaminophen, remember to check product labels and count amounts from all sources.