How much acetiminophen is too much?

  I would like to know how much acetiminophen it takes to actually damage your liver.  I am a 37 year old female who rarely drinks (maybe twice a year) but I take alot of acetiminophen and have for years.  I had no idea that it could hurt your liver until a few months ago.  I have abdominal pain on the right side.  The doctor has tested me for gallbladder problems they were negative along with my LFT's.  I was extremely constipated ( he took a x-ray of the abdomen) and thought perhaps that was the cause of my pain. I take Darvocets which will cause constipation but I notice the pain more about 20 minutes after taking the Darvocets. Could this reallly be just because I have been constipated or could my liver be going out.? How much acetiminophen is too much?

[HFHSM.D.-rf]

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Dear WC,
If your liver tests are normal it is exceedingly unlikely that acetaminophen-induced liver disease is the cause for your symptoms.  It is appropriate, however, to state that acetaminophen can damage the liver and that acetaminophen-induced poisoning is a mode of suicide.  Dosage of acetaminophen should not exceed 4 g per day.  F
For those who take the drug chronuically, the dosage should not exceed 2.6 g/day.  Use of alcohol or other medications can cause toxicity (including liver damage) at lower dosages.  If you have any concerns regarding your use of this medication, you should discuss this issue with your physician.
This information is presented for educational purposes only.  Ask specific questions to your personal physician.
HFHSM.D.-rf
*keywords: acetaminophen, liver damage
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