Tylenol

 

I would know a good deal about it through research and otherwise.  Too much Acetaminophen etc. can cause hepatic necrosis ((dead liver tissue)) and sometimes renal failure ((kidney failure)).  In England it is known as Paracetamol and is often used in vast excess to commit suicide. 

 

In more recent years, the FDA has made the manufacturer give a stronger warning than what it gave years back which was to use only as directed.  It didn't tell you the consequences of excess usage. I have not seen recent warnings as I don't use acetaminophen. 

 

Acetaminophen or its byproducts during dissociation or decomposition after ingestion cause(s) liver cells to die off.  In certain circumstnaces, this occurs faster than the enzyme glutathion can be produced to rejuvente or restore liver cells.  Younger people can produce glutathion faster than older people and are at much lower risk.

 

I am personally aware of a case where you had: an older person; combination of prescription acetaminophen with codein and non-prescription acetaminophen; other high molecular weight medications; a long history of taking high molecular weight medications. At the time this particular combination was not researched by medical scientists, but I knew a toxicologist who was of the opinion that this combination could be fatal. Acetaminophen is or should be counterindicated for people with liver and/or kidney problems, especially if they are elderly.

 

Acetaminophen doesn't alleviate headaches for everybody. It is used as an analgesic by a good many ulcer patients as it is non irritating.  Unlike aspirin, it is not anti-inflammatory. 

 

I recall that digests with referenced articles consulted by toxicologists gave a lot more information than the P D R and inserts.  Few consumers have access to medical libraries or universities strong on science like Purdue.

 

I hope this information is useful to you and wish you well.

 

Andrew