Acetaminophen
If you’ve ever had to take Tylenol to alleviate the symptoms of a fever or address mild pain, you’ve likely had acetaminophen, as it’s the drug’s generic brand name. However, it’s also sold under different names and is one of the most common ingredients in various over-the-counter medications, making pain relievers. Acetaminophen often alleviates moderate to mild pains, usually from colds, sore throats, headaches, toothaches, and arthritis.
It can also be used to relieve some of the discomfort coming from an ingrown toenail. While most don’t experience any side effects, some people may not tolerate the drug well and experience allergic reactions like difficulty swallowing or breathing, swelling of the face, severe itching, inflammation of the tongue and lips, and blistering or peeling of the skin. In case of overuse, it may also cause liver damage, which generally comes with symptoms including jaundice, abdominal pain, appetite loss, and dark-colored urine.
Overuse of acetaminophen is more common than people realize due to its presence in other drugs. To ensure that you avoid taking too much of the medication, always keep track of the amount you take in a single day, either through Tylenol or other drugs.
