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The Impact of Acetaminophen on Your Liver

Person reading medicine label in a store aisle

Acetaminophen is the most common drug in the United States.1 It’s the primary medicine in over 600 different prescription and over-the-counter medicines, including some of Tylenol’s products.1 However, taking too much acetaminophen can lead to acute liver failure, which is a loss of liver function that can occur in individuals without preexisting liver disease or conditions.2

Advil does not increase your risk for liver damage the way that acetaminophen can. Non-prescription ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil, is used to reduce fever and to relieve minor aches and pains from headaches, muscle aches, arthritis, menstrual periods, the common cold, toothaches and backaches.4

Acetaminophen and Liver Damage

Acetaminophen overdose is the #1 cause of acute liver failure in the US.1 Cases of acetaminophen toxicity are responsible for 56,000 emergency department visits per year in the United States.3

Signs and symptoms of acute liver failure may include:2

  • Jaundice (yellowing of skin or/and eyes)
  • Pain in the upper-right abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Sleepiness
  • Tremors
  • Disorientation or confusion

Recommended Acetaminophen Dosage

Acute liver failure can occur after one very large dose of acetaminophen, or after higher than recommended doses every day for several days.2 The recommended maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is 650mg every 4 hours or 1000mg every 6 hours.3 Exceeding 4,000mg per 24 hours, or up to 8 tablets of Tylenol Extra Strength, can lead to liver toxicity.3

Advil and Acetaminophen

Most Advil products do not contain acetaminophen. Because ibuprofen overdose is rarely fatal, this makes Advil a safer and more effective pain reliever for multiple aches and pains.5

Can You Combine Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen?

Advil Dual Action is the first FDA-approved combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Each tablet contains 250mg of acetaminophen, and the dosing is 500mg every 8 hours. One Advil Dual Action tablet contains less than 17% of acetaminophen’s total daily maximum of 1500mg. Like all medications, always read the label to understand the recommended dosage, and talk to your doctor before combining medications.

For more information, see potential health effects.

Source Citations:

  1. Acetaminophen Awareness. American Liver Foundation. https://liverfoundation.org/health-and-wellness/medications/acetaminophen-awareness/. Accessed 4/2/2024.
  2. Acute liver failure. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acute-liver-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20352863/. Accessed 4/2/2024.
  3. Acetaminophen Toxicity. National Library of Medicine https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441917/. Accessed 4/2/2024.
  4. Ibuprofen. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html. Accessed 4/24/2024.
  5. Ibuprofen Toxicity. National Library of Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526078/. Accessed 4/24/2024.

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