There are many types of over-the-counter pain relievers available to the consumer, namely acetaminophen, ibuprofen (Advil) and ASA (Aspirin). And, for many people, they’re very effective. The problem is, who is monitoring how much of these medications they take and how often?

It must be safe!

“I can buy it off the shelf, it’s got to be safe.” Sound familiar? That’s the way many people think about medications they can just walk in and buy. That’s not always the case. Yes, the medication itself is usually safe for most people if taken in the right way, but that leaves a lot of “ifs” in there, doesn’t it?

A major problem with drugs like Tylenol is the damage they can do to your liver. This is why there are warnings on the labels not to take more than a certain amount over a certain time period. A warning that is easy to ignore.

What can happen?

Liver failure is what can happen. Overdosing on acetaminophen can result in your liver shutting down. Once the liver stops working, it generally doesnt’ begin again. This means, if you’re lucky, you’ll be a candidate for a liver transplant. If you’re not, you may die.

But the FDA said it’s safe.

It is safe – within those parameters. But, now, even an FDA panel is taking another look at the recommended maximum doses of acetaminophen. This is the result of thousands of cases of liver failure every year, and up to 200 deaths. They are recommending that the FDA lower the recommended daily doses.

What about other medications with acetaminophen?

There lies the rub. Other medications, namely cough and cold medicines, and flu medicines contain some amount of acetaminophen. What often happens is people take one of these medications and then a short while later, a Tylenol for a headache or for added relief. This is one of the most common ways of getting too much acetaminophen in your body.

What can we do?

Read labels. Read what is in them and how much you are allowed to take per day. Don’t go over that. Take into account the other medications you’re using. And, if the problem for which you’re aking the acetaminophen isn’t going away, you may consider trying another type or you should speak with your doctor.

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Images: Courtesy PhotoXpress.com, MorgueFile.com

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Tylenol: How Much Is Too Much?

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego tried out three different types of aspirin with volunteer research subjects. The types of aspirin studied included regular aspirin swallowed whole, regular aspirin chewed and swallowed, and chewable aspirin chewed and swallowed.

Measurements of the blood levels of aspirin revealed which aspirin type provided the highest aspirin levels in the body.

The winner: chewable aspirin!

The chewable aspirin not only showed greater absorption, but it was also more rapid.

(Image via stock.xchng)

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Which Aspirin Is Faster During Heart Attack

Some over the counter drugs can cause problems for a number of people, especially those with heart problems and high blood pressure.

Not everyone can take an aspirin daily due to the fact some people are resistant to them. Women have proven to be more likely to be resistant to the blood-thinning effects of aspirin.

An aspirin daily is used by millions of people to prevent heart attacks. The aspirin breaks up platelets in the blood that could eventually form blood clots.

I found this information on the CNN health, click on the CNN site to view more information. 

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Will Aspirin Work For You

In the new study, Alberto Gasco and colleagues designed a new form of aspirin by attaching a special chemical structure — called a nitrooxy-acyl group — that allows the drug to resist breakdown by stomach acidity while promoting its absorption by the blood.

The results were positive among the mice that were used.  Time will tell, but I am in hopes for this to pan out!

via American Chemical Society 

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New aspirin type substance to fight a safer battle with heart disease

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The great aspirin debate..

Resistance over time. The frequency of aspirin resistance may increase over time. Several studies have demonstrated a progressive reduction in aspirin’s ability to inhibit platelet aggregation over long-term treatment.^23,58,59 There may be a role for platelet sensitivity testing in aspirin responders who receive chronic therapy.

There is substantial research to validate the claim of aspirin resistance. Many studies have looked at outcomes and prognosis’, and there seems to be a direct correlation. What is one to do if they develop aspirin resistance? Researchers are currently looking down that avenue as well.

The clinical management of patients with aspirin resistance is still under investigation. Theoretically, the addition of thienopyridines such as ticlopidine and clopidogrel may seem to be an ideal method of overcoming aspirin resistance since they inhibit platelet aggregation independently of aspirin.

Researchers are still determining the exact point within platelet aggregation, clotting, where aspirin resistance occurs. For now, we know that outcomes will be compromised by resistance, but there are alternative ways to provide treatment for these patients.

via Science Daily

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Aspirin Resistance Growing Concern For Cardiovascular Patients

A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine has shown that heart patients who stopped taking these three drugs are three times more likely to die during the next year than patients who followed their prescribed regimen. One out of eight heart-attack patients, who were more likely to be older, single, and less educated, quit taking their meds within a month. Two of the main reasons patients don’t take their medication properly are:

• Cost
• Lack of explanation from their doctors

Even President Bill Clinton was a non-compliant heart patient:

Former President Clinton — a younger, married and well-educated patient — was prescribed a statin for high cholesterol when he left office. But he stopped taking it at some point. At age 58, he had to have quadruple bypass surgery because of severely clogged arteries that doctors said put him in danger of a heart attack.

When you get a new prescription from your doctor, make sure you understand what it’s for and what will happen if you miss a dose or more. Here are some questions to ask your doctor.

The Mercury News, October 2, 2006

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Heart Attack Patients Need Their Medication