The Problem With Acetaminophen: Too Much, Too Often

The reason that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, Excedrin, Vicodin, Percocet and many other commonly used pain relievers, is the number one cause of liver failure in the Unitied States is not that it is unsafe in recommended doses. The reason is that very large numbers of people take very large amounts of acetaminophen, very often. The Washington Post reports that more than 24 billion doses were sold last year in the United States
Consequently, Time magazine reports, an FDA advisory panel made up of scientists, doctors and consumer
representatives has voted to make four major changes in the way
acetaminophen is dispensed and packaged. First, it voted 21-6 in favor
of lowering the maximum daily dose of nonprescription acetaminophen for
adults, which is currently set at 4,000 mg; the panel did not specify a
new maximum dosage. Second, the committee voted 24-13 to reduce the
maximum single adult daily dose to 650 mg from the current maximum of
1,000 mg, or the equivalent of two tablets of Extra Strength Tylenol.
Third, the members recommended 26-11 that the 1,000-mg over-the-counter
dose be switched to a prescription-only status. Finally, the committee
voted 20-17 in favor of "eliminating prescription acetaminophen
combination products."
Read more from Time.
Read more from the FDA .