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Acetaminophen - Interactions Details
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
Interactions with Vitamins
NAC
Hospitals use oral and intravenous NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) to treat liver damage induced by acetaminophen overdose poisoning. NAC is often administered intravenously by emergency room doctors. Oral NAC appears to be effective for acetaminophen toxicity.
An uncontrolled trial compared intravenous NAC with oral NAC in children with acetaminophen poisoning and found that both methods were equally effective in reversing acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity. However, acetaminophen toxicity is a potential medical emergency, and should only be managed by qualified healthcare professionals.
Vitamin C
Taking 3 grams vitamin C with acetaminophen has been shown to prolong the amount of time acetaminophen stays in the body. This theoretically might allow people to use less acetaminophen, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. Consult with a doctor about this potential before reducing the amount of acetaminophen.
Interactions with Herbs
Hibiscus
One small study found that hibiscus could decrease levels of acetaminophen if the drug was taken after the tea was consumed though it was not entirely clear if the decreases were clinically significant.
Milk thistle
Silymarin is a collection of complex flavonoids found in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) that has been shown to elevate liver glutathione levels in rats. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage, which is believed to involve glutathione depletion. In one study involving rats, silymarin protected against acetaminophen-induced glutathione depletion. While studies to confirm this action in humans have not been conducted, some doctors recommend silymarin supplementation with 200 mg milk thistle extract, containing 70–80% 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.
Schisandra
Gomisin A is a constituent found in the Chinese herb schisandra (Schisandra chinensis). In a study of rats given liver-damaging amounts of acetaminophen, gomisin A appeared to protect against some liver damage but did not prevent glutathione depletion (unlike milk thistle, as reported above). Studies have not yet confirmed this action in humans.
Interactions with Foods & Other Compounds
Food
Food, especially foods high in pectin (including jellies), carbohydrates, and large amounts of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and others) can interfere with acetaminophen absorption. It is unclear how much effect this interaction has on acetaminophen activity.
Alcohol
Moderate to high amounts of acetaminophen have caused liver damage in people with alcoholism. To prevent problems, people taking acetaminophen should avoid alcohol.
Last Review: 05-11-2011
Copyright © 2011 Aisle7. All rights reserved. www.Aisle7.net
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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.
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