Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is probably the single most effective non-prescription medication for lower back pain and has the fewest side affects. Tylenol is an example of a well-known medication that has acetaminophen as its active ingredient.

Unlike aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen does not have an anti-inflammatory effect. Instead, it relieves pain by working centrally (in the brain) to switch off the perception of pain. Up to 1,000 mg of acetaminophen may be taken every four hours, up to a total of 4,000 mg within 24 hours.

In addition to its efficacy, acetaminophen is frequently recommended because it has few side effects. Notably:

• there is no chance of addiction

• patients do not develop a tolerance (loss of pain relieving effect) with extended use

• it does not produce gastrointestinal (stomach) upset

• very few patients are allergic to it

Importantly, acetaminophen is cleared through the liver so patients with liver disease should first check with their physician. Patients should never take more than 1,000 mg every four hours (the maximum recommended dosage), as higher doses provide no additional pain relief and can harm the liver.

• Article written By:
• Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD

March 2, 2005

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