Tylenol Taken as Directed Can Cause Severe Liver Damage

. . . all drugs are dangerous -- even OTC Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are usually considered safe when in fact they're not. A study done in 2006 showed that of those taking the maximum recommended dosage of acetaminophen -- present in Tylenol and hundreds of other prescription and OTC medications -- over 30% experienced severe liver damage. ALT is an enzyme present in liver cells. When the liver is damaged, ALT levels in the bloodstream rise. In this study, 31-44% of those taking 4g of acetaminophen daily for 2 weeks had ALT levels that were more than 3 times the upper limit of normal, indicating considerable liver damage. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, where about 5% of it breaks down into an extremely toxic compound called N-acetyl-parabenzoquinoneimine. This chemical can be neutralized by glutathione. But if the amount of toxin exceeds the available supply of glutathione, damage is done to the liver. Because virtually everyone living in the US today is in toxic overload, our livers and glutathione reserves are already overburdened, and this situation continues to get progressively worse. Toxic drugs like Tylenol add to the problem.  Although this study was done 5 years ago, the maximum dose for Extra Strength Tylenol is still 4 grams. Directions do now state that it is not to be used for more than 10 days without consulting a doctor. Watkins PB. Aminotransferase elevations in healthy adults receiving 4 grams of acetaminophen daily. Clinician's Corner: The Journal of the American Medical Association. July 2006;296(1):87-93.