FDA wants smaller doses of OTC acetaminophen
July 1st, 2009 joshua
The Food and Drug Administration recommended Tuesday that over-the-counter varieties of acetaminophen lower the dosage of the drug.
Last month, the FDA issued a report showing a link between acetaminophen and severe liver damage, and even death. People often take acetaminophen because it claims to be less harsh on stomachs than painkillers like ibuprofen. Acetaminophen is commonly found in Tylenol products.
An FDA panel voted to lower the maximum daily dose of acetaminophen, which is currently about 8 pills of Extra Strength Tylenol. It also voted to lower the maximum single dose from 1,000 milligrams to 650 milligrams. One-thousand milligram doses will only be available by prescription.
The FDA also ruled to make other safety warning adjustments to products like Nyquil and other over-the-counter cough syrups because they also contain acetaminophen.
