Dangers of Acetaminophen

Dangers of Acetaminophen:

Many Chiropractors are hard core anti-medication.  I once had a roommate that I went to Chiropractic College with who was one of these types of practitioners.  With his patients his mantra was “anti drug, anti drug, anti drug.”  Of course, that didn’t stop him from going out on the weekends and getting plastered – on alcohol – which is a drug of course, and then medicating his hangover with Tylenol the next day. 

In my San Diego based Chiropractic Center, I am not quite as negative on the uses of medications as some of my colleagues.  I always recommend using caution with taking any type of medication.  This recommendation is inclusive of the medications that are bought off the shelf from the local drug store as well. 

Each year in the United States, acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) triggers 100,000 calls to poison control centers, 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and 450 deaths from liver failure.  Acetaminophen causes more cases of liver failure than all other medications combined.  That is a staggering statistic from a “safe” over the counter drug.

The problems of taking acetaminophen with alcohol are well known by most.  What is not as well known are the risks of taking acetaminophen while fasting.  For some people, fasting occurs secondary to abdominal upset, nausea, vomiting and other causes of lost appetite.  It is estimated that liver toxicity due to fasting occurs in 1 in 100,000 people taking acetaminophen.  Apparently, the toxic condition does occur in people who have taken the recommended doses or less.  We tend to believe that OTC medications are safe if taken as recommended on the package – this is not always the case.

The bottom line is that you always have to be careful with medications.  Medications change the physiology in your body, which should be concerning to everyone. 

Like I stated in the beginning of this article, I do believe that medications have their place and can be taken safely.  However, I am always miffed when I hear one of my patients tell me that their friend or spouse is afraid to be adjusted by a chiropractor yet they take medication on a regular basis.  Chiropractic adjustments, after all, are very safe and conservative as far as clinical treatments go. 

The bottom line is that we always have to weigh the risks of everything we do, especially with our health.  Knowledge of all the possible risks of taking any medication is easily found on the internet.  I believe it is better to know beforehand and have the chance to make a wise decision rather than to wish you had known after the damage is done.

Take Care

Doc


Writers Bio

Dr. Steven R. Jones is a licensed Chiropractor in the state of California. He received his doctorate from Palmer College of Chiropractic-West in Sunnyvale, California. Dr. Jones has treated his patients for over 15 years at his own San Diego Chiropractic practice.

Dr. Jones is accepting new patients and would be happy to consult with you regarding your chiropractic needs.

Call Steve Jones at
(619) 280 0554
San Diego Chiropractic

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