acetaminophen and liver problems

[marty__0]

  I get tension headaches about 3 times a week.  I take acetaminophen (about 10 tablets of 500 mg per week) because aspirin bothers my stomach.  My question is is that enough acetominophen to cause long-term liver damage or any other damage for that matter.  Is Ibuprofen safer on the body?  I'm a 30 years old, 5'11, 180, non-smoker and non-drinker, relatively healthy, male.  Thank you.
Dear Marty,
Acetaminophen causes liver damage after approximately 15 grams are taken as a single ingestion. However, in patients who drink alcohol with acetaminophen ingestion, toxicity can occur with regular, recommended dosages. A nomogram exists which correlates plasma concentrations of acetaminophen vs. time after ingestion. This nomogram is useful in deciding whether treatment should be given after a single, acute overdose. Ibuprofen, is not as hepatotoxic as acetaminophen. On the other hand, many patients have difficulty tolerating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen because of their gastrointestinal side effects (dyspepsia, gastric and duodenal inflammation and ulceration and bleeding). I hope you find this information helpful.
This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.
If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians’ Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.
HFHSM.D.-ym
*Keywords: acetaminophen, hepatotoxicity