Acetaminophen, a widely trusted over-the-counter medication for pain relief and fever reduction, is an invaluable addition to medicine cabinets around the world. While it’s a go-to remedy for many common ailments, it’s essential to explore the full spectrum of its effects, including those that are less frequent but potentially severe.
In this blog, we will delve offering insight into the more common, less common and rare side effects but important adverse reactions that users should be aware of.
Common Side Effects
The signs and symptoms of common side effects encompass a spectrum of experiences that many individuals using medications like acetaminophen may encounter. These effects, while often mild and manageable, are essential to recognize for a safer and more informed medication journey.
- Nausea (Adult 34%, Pediatric 5% or greater)
- Headache (1-10%)
- Vomiting (Adult 15%, Pediatric 5% or greater)
- Constipation(5%)
- Itching (5%)
- Diarrhea (1-10%)
- Sweating (1-10%)
- Dizziness (1-10%)
- Tiredness (1-10%)
- Dermatologic (5% or greater)
Serious Side Effects
The signs and symptoms of serious and rare side effects encompass a spectrum of experiences that many individuals may encounter when using medications.
Allergic Reactions
- Hives
- Rash
- Formation of Skin Blisters
- Peeling Skin
- Swelling of the Lips or Tongue
- Difficulty Breathing
Rare Side Effects
The symptoms of rare side effects includes:
- Bloody or black, tarry stools
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Fever with or without chills (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
- Pain in the lower back and/or side (severe and/or sharp)
- Pinpoint red spots on the skin
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Sore throat (not present before treatment and not caused by the condition being treated)
- Sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
- Sudden decrease in the amount of urine
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Yellow eyes or skin
Symptoms of Acetaminophen Overdose
- Diarrhea
- Increased sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach cramps or pain
- Swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area
Categorize the Side Effects of Acetaminophen Based on Various Body Systems
To provide you with a comprehensive overview, categorization of the side effects of Acetaminophen based on various body systems is done. By organizing these effects in a systematic manner, we aim to empower you with valuable insights into how this medication may affect different parts of your body.
Hepatic (Liver) System
- Increased hepatic transaminases (less than 0.1%)
- Increased aspartate aminotransferase (1% to 10%)
- Liver failure
Gastrointestinal System
- Nausea (up to 34%)
- Vomiting (up to 15%)
- Dry mouth
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, enlarged abdomen (1% to 10%)
Metabolic System
- Hypokalemia, hyperglycemia (1% to 10%)
Nervous System
- Headache, dizziness (1% to 10%)
- Dystonia
Musculoskeletal System
- Muscle spasms, trismus (1% to 10%)
Respiratory System
- Dyspnea, pleural effusion, stridor, wheezing, coughing, abnormal breath sounds, pulmonary edema, hypoxia(1% to 10%)
Cardiovascular System
- Peripheral edema, tachycardia, chest pain, hypertension, hypotension (1% to 10%)
Psychiatric System
- Insomnia, anxiety (1% to 10%)
Genitourinary System
- Oliguria (1% to 10%)
Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Reactions
- Anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity reactions
Hematologic (Blood) System
- Anemia, postoperative hemorrhage (1% to 10%)
- Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, neutropenia (less than 0.01%)
Dermatologic (Skin) System
- Rash, pruritus (1% to 10%)
- Serious skin reactions such as acute generalized exanthemata’s pustulosis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (less than 0.1%)
- Pemphigoid reaction, pustular rash, Lyell syndrome (less than 0.01%)
Long Term Effects of Acetaminophen
In the long term, the use of acetaminophen can have several notable effects, primarily impacting the liver. Prolonged or excessive use may manifest as liver inflammation, scarring, and, in severe cases, liver failure. Additionally, long-term acetaminophen use and an increased risk of cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, hypertension, gastrointestinal problems, and rare but serious skin reactions. Always consult a healthcare provider when contemplating long-term acetaminophen use or if concerns about its effects arise.
Side Effects During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Acetaminophen is generally considered one of the safer options for pain relief and fever reduction during pregnancy. In both cases, whether during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it’s essential to use acetaminophen as directed and within the recommended dosage. If you have specific concerns or medical conditions that require long-term use, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
During Pregnancy
The use of acetaminophen during pregnancy has raised some concerns due to its potential association with an increased risk of certain medical conditions. Specifically, there is a suggested link between acetaminophen use and diseases where a reduction in prostacyclin during pregnancy is believed to be a contributing factor.
These conditions include preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related disorder characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, and thromboembolic diseases, which involve blood clot formation and subsequent blockages in blood vessels. While this association requires further research to establish a definitive connection, it underscores the importance of using acetaminophen during pregnancy only under the guidance and recommendation of healthcare professionals.
Pregnant individuals should always consult their healthcare providers to weigh the potential risks and benefits of using acetaminophen for pain relief or fever reduction.
During Breastfeeding
- Low Transfer to Breast Milk: Acetaminophen is excreted into breast milk, but in relatively small amounts. It is generally considered safe to use while breastfeeding, as the levels transferred to breast milk are not typically high enough to harm the infant.
- Monitor Infant: While acetaminophen is considered safe for breastfeeding, it’s advisable to monitor the infant for any potential adverse reactions or unusual symptoms. If concerns arise, consult a healthcare provider.
Side Effects in Pediatric (Children)
- Diarrhea.
- Loss of appetite.
- Stomach pain or cramps.
- Skin rash, hives, or itching.
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Increased sweating.
- Yellow eyes or skin.
- Continued nausea, vomiting, pain in the right side of the abdomen under the ribs, loss of appetite, tiredness.
- Dark or bloody urine, or reduced amount or frequency of urine.
- Confusion, sleepiness and loss of consciousness.
- Breathing problems.
- Blurry vision.
Side Effects in Geriatric Age (Elderly individuals)
In geriatric patients, the use of acetaminophen may lead to specific side effects and risks, such as:
Common Side Effects
- Vomiting
- Stomach Cramps
- Pain in the Upper Right Abdomen
Overdose-Related Effects
- Flapping Hand Tremors: Elderly patients who overdose on Tylenol (acetaminophen) may experience flapping hand tremors, which can be indicative of severe liver damage. It’s crucial for older individuals to adhere to recommended dosages and seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Contact your healthcare provider for guidance regarding any potential side effects. You can also report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by calling 1-800-FDA-1088. Information is also available online at poisonhelp.org. Nevertheless, if you are experiencing severe symptoms, please do not hesitate to dial 911 (or your Local Emergency Number) immediately or proceed to the nearest emergency room for immediate medical attention. Your safety and well-being are paramount.
