Brand Name: APAP, Paracetamol, Tylenol®
Combination drugs: Alka-Seltzer Plus®, Co-Proxamol, Darvocet® N, Endocet®, Excedrin® PM, Fioricet®, Lortab®, Midrin®, Nyquil®, Nyquil® Hot Therapy Powder, Percocet®, Phrenilin®, Propacet 100®, Roxicet®, Theraflu®, Tylenol® Allergy Sinus, Tylenol® Cold, Tylenol® Flu NightTime Maximum Strength Powder,
Tylenol® Multi-Symptom Hot Medication, Tylenol® PM, Tylenol® Sinus, Tylenol® with Codeine, Vicodin®, Wygesic®
Acetaminophen Information
is used to reduce pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), it
lacks anti-inflammatory activity. is available by itself or in nonprescription
and prescription-only combination products used to relieve pain and the symptoms associated
with colds and flu.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Milk thistle*
N-acetyl cysteine
|
| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Vitamin C*
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Schisandra
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
| Adverse interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Acetaminophen Interactions with Dietary Supplements
N-acetyl cysteine
(NAC)
Hospitals use oral and intravenous N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) to treat liver damage induced by
acetaminophen overdose poisoning.1 NAC is often administered intravenously by
emergency room doctors. Oral NAC appears to be effective for acetaminophen toxicity.
An uncontrolled trial compared intravenous NAC with oral NAC in children with acetaminophen
poisoning and found that both methods were equally effective in reversing
acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity.2 However, acetaminophen toxicity is a
potential medical emergency, and should only be managed by qualified healthcare
professionals.
Vitamin
C
Taking 3 grams vitamin C with acetaminophen has been shown to prolong the amount of time
acetaminophen stays in the body.3 This theoretically might allow people to use less
acetaminophen, thereby reducing the risk of side effects. Consult with a doctor about this
potential before reducing the amount of acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen Interactions with Herbs
Milk
thistle (Silybum marianum)
Silymarin is a collection of complex flavonoids found in milk thistle that has been shown to
elevate liver glutathione levels in rats.4 can cause liver damage,
which is believed to involve glutathione depletion.5 In one study involving rats,
silymarin protected against acetaminophen-induced glutathione depletion.6 While
studies to confirm this action in humans have not been conducted, some doctors recommend
silymarin supplementation with 200 mg milk thistle extract, containing 70–80% silymarin,
three times per day for people taking acetaminophen in large amounts for more than one year
and/or with other risk factors for liver problems.
Schisandra (Schisandra chinensis)
Gomisin A is a constituent found in the Chinese herb schisandra. In a study of rats given
liver-damaging amounts of acetaminophen, gomisin A appeared to protect against some liver
damage but did not prevent glutathione depletion7 (unlike milk thistle, as reported
above). Studies have not yet confirmed this action in humans.
Acetaminophen Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
Food, especially foods high in pectin (including jellies), carbohydrates, and large amounts of
cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, and others) can interfere with acetaminophen absorption.8 It is
unclear how much effect this interaction has on acetaminophen activity.
Alcohol
Moderate to high amounts of acetaminophen have caused liver damage in people with
alcoholism.9 To prevent problems, people taking acetaminophen should avoid
alcohol.
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Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.healthnotes.com
Please read the
disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on
the information in this article.
Learn more about Healthnotes, the
company.
Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines
with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. The "reviews" listed for any medical condition, prescription drug, condition or symtpom is provided specifically from eVitamins and is not associated with healthnotes.
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