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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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Pharmacy and Medications |
Side effects to long-term use of Tylenol PM04/13/2007 07:45PM |
I`m 55, exercise and eat well. I take hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) to control my blood pressure. I`ve had have trouble falling asleep so began taking Tylenol PM a few months ago, which helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep, especially by relieving congestion that often keeps me awake. (I stopped taking OTC cold/congestion medications 5 years ago, also tried lunesta for about a month then stopped from fear of side effects). I don`t take tylenol any other time of day, and rarely any other meds - I avoid them if possible. I`ve gone against this however with the Tylenol PM, and now wonder if it`s unwise to take it for extended periods of time. (I like it because it relieves congestion, foot/leg aches, pains, twitches, and does help me sleep.)
Tylenol PM contains two active ingredients, acetaminophen 500mg and diphenhydramine 25mg. Acetaminophen is used to treat pain and fever. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used for mild nighttime sedation as well as relief of nasal allergies, mild dermatosis, and motion sickness.
While acetaminophen is regarded as one of the safest pain relievers, long-term use of high dose acetaminophen can lead to liver damage. Another factor that increases the risk of liver damage from acetaminophen is alcohol consumption. In addition to Tylenol's Simply Sleep®, there are several OTC sleep aids that contain the diphenhydramine component only.
You should discuss your choice of sleep-aid with your physician. He or she should be able to evaluate the potential for any underlying health risks that may apply in your individual circumstance and advise you as to what is the best option for you.
Submitted by Scott Noel, Pharm D Candidate, Creighton University College of Pharmacy
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Carmen M. Hadley, RPh, CSPI Clinical Instructor Central Ohio Poison Center Nationwide Children’s Hospital College of Pharmacy The Ohio State University |
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