arstechnica.com — Acetaminophen/paracetamol (AKA Tylenol) is the leading cause of acute liver failure. The number of cases doubled between 1998 and 2003—which I find interesting, because over the last several years, regular strength (325mg) Tylenol has been gradually disappearing in favor of the extra-strength (500mg) varieties.
Dec 12, 2005 View in Crawl 4
seanlDec 12, 2005
This is an excellent example of bad science reporting. If there were any intent to actually inform the public, the title would say "Tylenol overdose is the leading cause of liver failure." The actual New Scientist article title is no better. No digg, because I feel we need to discourage this kind of sensationalist reporting.Big news, folks: follow the directions or actual educated, trusted wisdom on how to use medications or suffer the consequences!
c0ugarDec 12, 2005
I think those who think that you can easily exceed 4000 mgs are nuts. Taken right from a Tylenol Extra Strength bottle (500 mg each) ...Adults and children 12 years and older:• Take 2 capsules every 4-6 hours.• Do not take more than 8 capsules in 24 hours• Do not use for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor.Children under 12 years:do not use this adult product in children under 12 years of age. This will provide more than the recommended dose (overdose) of TYLENOL and may cause liver damageSo, do the math. 24 hours a day, every 6 hours, that's 4 doses, 2000 mgs. 3000 mgs if you would take a dose every 4 hours.There is no responsible way to meet or exceed 4000 mgs. Saying you would switch from a brand you used to trust based on an article that already mentions what TYLENOL has mentioned and is mentioned all over the TYLENOL bottle is sad. There is no excuse for ignorance.RTFM or in this case RTFL(abel)
c0ugarDec 12, 2005
By the way, only way to meet or exceed 4000 mgs is you would need to take 2 500 mg capsules every 3 hours.
incognitoDec 13, 2005
I never take any kind of drugs but I gave in a few weeks ago cause my headache was so intense I took Tylonol.f**k!!!! No more of that s**t ever again.+DIGG
earthboundx5Dec 13, 2005
I WIN, always hated tylenol (use to make me puke)
sazimeDec 13, 2005
As far as the suicide comments go, I can attest to this. My bro tried it this way and the EMT that treated him said as much. Whoo hoo over the counted suicide attempts.
splitsixtyDec 13, 2005
There is an anecdote for Tylenol overdose,(if taken before toxic levels become to great) so fear not suicide heads!It smells like rotten eggs and from what I have witnessed, tastes like s**t and rotten eggs that have festered in the ass crack of an overweight man who hasn't moved from his bed in 10 years. If that doesn't make you think twice about suicide and taking Tylenol...(you can mix it with say, Hawaiian Punch)you can even overdose on milk!!...yet no one has ever to my knowledge OD'd on weed...hmmm
shiftlessDec 13, 2005
His comparison is accurate. I've seen idiots cram these things down their throats like candy.
rpggamerDec 13, 2005
Drugs are evil, the man made ones at least. The ONLY thing drugs do is act as a crutch while the real problem gets worse and worse. Therefore the smart thing to do would be to cure the underlying problem with nutrition and exercise. This may pose to be a problem who are used to quick fixes. A healthy body requires a long term effort of eating nutricious foods and exercise.Old Sanskrit saying:"If the diet is right then medicines are of no need, if the diet is wrong then medicines are of no use."
terristaApr 29, 2006
Just from personal experience, I did not take 20 Tylenol, I took extra strength Tylenol throughout the day, and thought I was taking it every 4 hours, well for a severe migraine, and being sick.....i have never had a medication intake issue. Well anyway, I ended up waking up in the hospital and told that I almost died that night. If it wasn't for my husband and my mother getting me to the emergency room. My breaths were 4 per minute....and my enzyme levels were extremely high....... Those who call people Dumb-asses should think twice, i consider myself an intelligent person, but because of the pain I was in, and the fever making me delirious, I almost died. Needless to say, I had to drink charcoal and drink 17 doses of mucomyst and was in the hospital for 4 days. Tylenol is a great drug. It takes away pain. I only take meds when absolutely necessary, but I will tell you this, next time I will be using ibuprofen, and my husband will set it out for me. I am lucky to be alive. People shouldn't judge others until they experience something on there own, or know someone personally that has.......i don't even drink alcohol, and now have liver damage, just because of this. My word of advice, if you are sick or unable to think clearly, have someone set out your medicine for you, it only takes a small amount of time, but it is well worth it.