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Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is used to reduce pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), it lacks anti-inflammatory activity. Acetaminophen is available by itself or in nonprescription and prescription-only combination products used to relieve pain and the symptoms associated with colds and flu.
Do…
- Help protect your liver with milk thistle, when using long-term Some doctors recommend 200 mg of milk thistle (Silybum marianum) extract containing 70 to 80% of the flavonoid silymarin, three times per day, for people taking acetaminophen in large amounts for more than one year and/or with other risk factors for liver problems.
- Support this medicine's effectiveness with vitamin C 3 grams of vitamin C daily with acetaminophen has been shown to prolong the amount of time it stays in the body, which might allow people to use less, thereby reducing the risk of side effects.
- Get medical help, in the case of overdose Acetaminophen toxicity is a potential medical emergency, and should only be managed by qualified healthcare professionals.
Don't…
- Drink alcohol To prevent damage to the liver, people taking acetaminophen should avoid alcohol.
- Eat foods that interfere with absorption Foods high in pectin (such as jellies), carbohydrates, and large amounts of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, can make it difficult for the body to absorb acetaminophen.
About this treatment
Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods
 May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—This medication may deplete these substances from the body or interfere with how they work; extra intake may help replenish them. | none |
| May Be Beneficial: Side effect reduction and/or prevention—These substances may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.
| N-Acetyl Cysteine Milk Thistle* |
| May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—These substances may help this medication work better. | Vitamin C* |
 Avoid: Reduces drug effectiveness—When taking this medication, avoid these substances as they may decrease the medication's absorption and/or activity in the body. | Hibiscus |
| Avoid: Adverse interaction—When taking this medication, avoid these substances, as the combination may cause undesirable or dangerous interactions. | none |
 Check: Explanation needed—When taking this medication, read the article details and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these substances. | Schisandra |
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article. The Aisle7 knowledgebase does not contain every possible interaction.
Learn more about Aisle7, the company.
The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires June 2011.
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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