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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Its not just alcohol that can trigger dangerous interactions with acetaminophen -- caffeine may also increase the risk of liver damage when combine it with the painkiller.
New research from the University of Washington in Seattle reveals the toxic interaction could occur when drinking caffeinated beverages and also from taking large amounts of medications that combine caffeine and acetaminophen (Tylenol.) The combinations of the two chemicals are sold as treatments for migraine headaches and menstrual discomfort under names like Excedrin and Midol.
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For years, health experts have warned drinking excess alcohol while taking acetaminophen can trigger toxic interactions and cause liver damage or even death. This is the first time scientists have reported the possible harmful interaction while taking the painkiller with caffeine.
The study exposed bacteria to large amounts of both acetaminophen and caffeine -- much more than most people would have on a daily basis. Researchers report it would take unusually high levels of the two compounds together to have a dangerous effect, but they do not yet know the toxic threshold.
People should be informed about this potentially harmful interaction, lead author Sid Nelson, Ph.D., University of Washington in Seattle was quoted as saying. The bottom line is that you dont have to stop taking acetaminophen or stop taking caffeine products, but you do need to monitor your intake more carefully when taking them together, especially if you drink alcohol.
The researchers report they are now looking into just how the toxic interaction occurs and are also considering human studies in the future.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, which offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, click on: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Chemical Research in Toxicology, published online Sept. 26, 2007
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