Extra Strength Tylenol: Too strong for over-the-counter use?
Wednesday, July 1st, 2009
Concerned that Americans are popping too much Extra Strength Tylenol and other over-the-counter acetaminophen products, an FDA panel voted on Tuesday to reduce the maximum dosage on these pain relievers.
The panel recommendation would lower the maximum daily dosage of nonprescription acetaminophen, and limit the maximum single dose of acetaminophen to 650 milligrams. The current maximum single dose of Extra Strength Tylenol is 1,000 milligrams; this would now be available only by prescription.
An FDA report concluded that many people are taking more pills than the box or bottle instructions recommend, and that acetaminophen has crept into many other medicines (such as cold remedies, etc.) that may lead consumers to accidentally take more than they should. Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to serious health problems, including liver damage.
Although the advisory panel’s recommendation has not yet been implemented by the FDA, the agency typically follows its panels’ advice.
