Does acetaminophen hurt stomach?

If you’re the kind of person who pops a pill every time you feel pain, then you know how important it is to choose the right painkiller. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen are widely used to relieve pain and reduce fever. But does acetaminophen hurt stomach? In this article, we’ll explore the impact of acetaminophen on your tummy-ouch!

What is Acetaminophen?

Before we talk about its effects on stomach acid reflux, let’s discuss what exactly is acetaminophen. It goes by several brand names such as Tylenol®, Panadol®, and Excedrin® but they all have one thing in common – it’s an analgesic or a drug that relieves pain without making you high or dizzy.

Unlike other OTC pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen, which belong to the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) class, acetaminophen doesn’t have anti-inflammatory properties nor does it irritate your stomach lining.

Mechanism of Action

How does paracetamol work in our body after ingestion? The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood yet but here’s what researchers think:

  1. Blocks prostaglandin synthesis in Central Nervous System
  2. May increase heat loss through sweating
  3. Lowers hypothalamic set-point temperature

In short, scientists believe that acetaminophen inhibits certain chemicals called prostaglandins from reaching your brain where they would typically trigger sensations of heat and pain.

Side Effects

Like any medication, our beloved paracetamol can also cause some unwanted effects for long-term usage beyond five years:

  • Liver Failure
  • Consumption with Two more drinks per day Increases Risk four-fold
  • Dizziness and Drowsiness
  • Constipation, Abdominal Pain or Bloating
  • Hives or Rash

However, none of these are directly linked to stomach problems. At least three people in the US have died from liver failure after taking too much acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen vs NSAIDs

Some people avoid NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen because they can cause stomach irritation particularly if used for several months without any supervision. However, Tylenol® is generally considered as a safer alternative since it doesn’t irritate your gut lining unlike other painkillers which reduce mucus production leading to increased acid exposure.

Still confused? Don’t worry we made a chart for you:

Acetaminophen NSAIDs
Mechanism of Action Inhibits Prostaglandins Blocks COX Enzymes
Anti-Inflammatory Property No Yes
Gastric Irritation Low risk High Risk – Bleeding Ulcers
Liver Damage Potential Possible with overdose but generally Low Moderate

Therefore,for short-term usage only, doctors usually recommend acetaminophen over NSAIDs because there’s less risk of gastritis, ulcers, or bleeding.

Dosage Matters!

Now that we know Tylenol® is considered as less likely to irritate our tummy let’s discuss another crucial aspect: dosage! Taking more than four grams per day (eight extra strength pills) puts you at risk for liver toxicity.

It has various dosages available in the market depending on age group where most commonly taken dose by adult is 500 mg. Nevertheless, don’t take any OTC medication longer than recommended period and never double up your drug intake higher amount won’t necessarily provide more relief.

Precautions

Apart from dosage monitoring, there are several ways we can decrease our risk of stomach problems. Here are some simple tips:

Tips to Keep in Mind
Don’t Take on Empty Stomach Always eat something before taking acetaminophen/Tylenol®/Xcedrin®
Individual Risks Vary Speak with your doctor if you have history of gastric ulcers or GERD
Avoid Alcohol Large amounts of alcohol increases liver failure risk

So does acetaminophen hurt stomach? For the most part, no unless taken for an extended period exceeding the maximum recommended dose which may cause toxic levels that damage liver and kidneys leading to indigestion and bowel movements irregularities.

On this note, stay vigilant while popping any pills next time!

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