by EBSCO CAM Review Board

Alternate Names :

  • APAP

Trade Names :

  • Apacet
  • Arthritis Foundation Aspirin Free
  • Arthritis Foundation Nighttime
  • Acephen
  • Aceta
  • Amaphen
  • Anoquan
  • Aspirin Free Anacin
  • Aspirin Free Excedrin
  • Bayer Select
  • Dapacin
  • Dynafed
  • Endolor
  • Esgic
  • Excedrin P.M.
  • Fem-Etts
  • Femcet
  • Feverall
  • Fioricet
  • Fiorpap
  • Genapap
  • Genebs
  • Halenol
  • Isocet
  • Liquiprin
  • Mapap
  • Maranox
  • Meda
  • Medigesic
  • Midol
  • Multi-Symptom Pamprin
  • Neopap
  • Nighttime Pamprin
  • Oraphen-PD
  • Panadol
  • Phrenilin
  • Repan
  • Ridenol
  • Sedapap
  • Silapap
  • Sominex Pain Relief
  • Tapanol
  • Tempra
  • Tylenol
  • Uni-Ace
  • Unisom with Pain Relief

Acetaminophen is widely used to reduce pain and fever.

Milk Thistle Coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) Methionine

The herb milk thistle and the supplements coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) and methionine might help protect the liver against damage caused by excessive use of acetaminophen. 1–3 However, it is extremely dangerous to take excessive amounts of acetaminophen, and we certainly wouldn't count on any of these supplements to protect you from harm if you do so!

Vitamin C

One study from the 1970s suggests that very high doses of vitamin C (3 g daily) might increase the levels of acetaminophen in the body. 4 This could potentially put you at higher risk for acetaminophen toxicity. You probably don't need to be overly concerned if you take acetaminophen in recommended doses now and then for pain or fever. However, a problem might occur if you take higher-than-recommended doses or if you take high doses of acetaminophen on a regular basis, such as for osteoarthritis. The risk increases if you have liver or kidney impairment or if you drink alcoholic beverages regularly, which taxes the liver even more.

The herbs chaparral ( Larrea tridentata or L. mexicana ), comfrey (Symphytum officinale), and coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) contain liver-toxic substances. Combined use with acetaminophen could accentuate the liver toxicity of the medication.

Potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and potassium-magnesium citrate are sometimes used to prevent kidney stones . These supplements reduce urinary acidity, and can therefore lead to decreased blood levels and effectiveness of acetaminophen. 5

References

REF1 Muriel P, et al. Silymarin protects against paracetamol-induced lipid peroxidation and liver damage. J Appl Toxicol . 12:439–442;1992.

REF2 Li H, et al. Preventive effect of coenzyme Q 10 on hepatic damage caused by overdosage of paracetamol in mice. Zhongguo Yaolixuie Yu Dulixue Zaxhi . 11:278–280;1997.

REF3 Neuvonen PJ, Tokola O, Toivonen ML, and Simell O. Methionine in paracetamol tablets, a tool to reduce paracetamol toxicity. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol . 23:497–500;1985.

REF4 Houston JB and Levy G. Drug biotransformation interactions in man. VI: Acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. J Pharm Sci . 65:1218–1221;1976.

REF5 Tatro D, ed. Drug Interaction Facts. St. Louis, Mo: Facts and Comparisons; 1999.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO CAM Review Board
  • Review Date: 12/2015
  • Update Date: 12/15/2015