Analgesics, a class of drugs given for pain relief, include narcotic pain pills and non-narcotic pain pills. The most often recommended analgesics for osteoarthritis is acetaminophen (Tylenol). (Doctors usually save the narcotic pain pills for acute pain such as post- surgery or post-traumatic injury.) Acetaminophen is called “the initial treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip and knee” by the American College of Rheumatology at http://www.arthritistoday.org/conditions/osteoarthritis/treatment/oa-medication.php
Doctors recognize that acetaminophen provides pain relief to many people. However, when a person takes excessive amounts, acetaminophen can harm your liver. Acetaminophen is in many over-the-counter pain pills such as Excedrin caplets, Anacin (aspirin-free), Tylenol, and Panadol. Acetaminophen is also found in many cold and flu remedies.
The recommended maximum dosage of acetaminophen for healthy adults is 4 Grams per day. That adds up to 8 of the extra strength Tylenol in a 24 hour period. But if you are also taking a cold or flu medicine which contains acetaminophen, this amount must be added to any extra strength Tylenol you take. The 4 Gram number includes all pain and cold/flu remedies which contain acetaminophen. Talk to your doctor about how much prescription and non-prescription medications you are taking. If you have liver damage, cirrhosis, or drink more than 3 alcohol drinks per day, talk to your doctor about how much, if any, acetaminophen you can safely take.
Read labels and be safe with the acetaminophen. Your liver will thank you. For more information about acetaminophen overdose, visit http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/tylenol-acetaminophen-poisining
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