What are the important facts about APAP that you should know?
Is the Cold and flu season around the corner? If so, it is natural that people will stock up on the OTC medicines that work when people feel sick. APAP is the active component in Tylenol. It’s safe when had in the prescribed doses. It has an excellent record in the treatment of pain and in treating fever in children as well as adults. APAP is now present in 600+ OTC and prescription drugs. The credit goes to its excellent track record and safety record. It is present in different pain aids and fever reducers. More? It is present in cold, cough, and allergy medicines and sleeping aids.
People who’re having over than one medication are at risk of having too much APAP. So, people must know the amount of total APAP or acetaminophen that they’re having.
Why is it a must to avoid excessive APAP?
APAP overdose could lead to acute liver damage. The worst scenario is acute liver failure, which could turn fatal fast. APAP toxicity is the most common reason for acute liver failure in The USA.
How to avoid overdose?
People must always check the medicine label and abide by the instructions. Those who stick to the recommended dose or have less have no possibility of poisoning from APAP. Doses differ for kids and adults.
People must be aware of the maximum dosing. Adults who have a healthy liver and eat regularly could have a maximum of 4 grams of APAP every 24 hours. The dosage is different for people who suffer from liver disease and have been in an empty stomach for over 12 hours. They should lessen their dose of APAP to 2g every 24 hours.
People must be aware of the medicines that have APAP and add up their total dose.
People must maintain a list of medicines and supplements they’ve regularly and show it to their doctor. The doctor will know the amount of APAP that their patients have daily and prescribe a new medication accordingly.
There is always the chance of not knowing all medicines that have APAP
Several OTC and prescription drugs contain APAP. Some common ones are Co-Gesic, Darvocet, Contac, Excedrin, Lortab, Fioricet, Norco, Midrin, Robitussin, Percocet, Sinutab, Sudafed, Sedapap, Vicodin, Zydone, and Wygesic. However, people should know that there are medications that they don’t know that have acetaminophen. Thus, the importance of reading the label and asking a pharmacist or healthcare provider if in doubt.
Some words before leaving
APAP is an effective and safe medication. However, not checking the medicine labels well could end up in an overdose. Such as overdose can cause acute or fatal liver damage. Coming to APAP poisoning, symptoms may not be apparent for as much as 48 hours after a toxic overdose. Those who suspect an overdose should seek treatment immediately