Vaccination has become more significant as the simultaneous outbreak of COVID-19 and the flu is predicted this winter. So, many people tend to purchase plenty of acetaminophen-based pain relievers (Tylenol, etc.) recommended by the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This readiness is to deal with common symptoms after vaccination, such as fever and muscle pain. However, in many cases, people cannot properly take it in time due to the lack of information on side effects or resistance. With the help of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, we explored the misconceptions and truths about acetaminophen-based pain relievers, which are the most used in daily life.
■What is the difference between an antipyretic drug and an Anti-inflammatory drug?
An acetaminophen-based pain reliever is a type of antipyretic. An anti-inflammatory pain reliever is usually mentioned. TPeople can readily buy two types of pain relievers without a prescription at pharmacies: ‘antipyretic analgesics’ containing acetaminophen and ‘nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)’ such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
An antipyretic analgesic is used to relieve common pain in everyday life, such as headache, toothache, menstrual pain, and simple fever. Instead of relieving pain and fever, it does not reduce inflammation. On the other hand, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are practical in relieving inflammation as well as pain and fever relief.
■ Is Tylenol the only option?
Tylenol is the most familiar and popular acetaminophen-based analgesic, but there are more than 70 approved single acetaminophen products in Korea (refer to the table below). Therefore, consumers do not need to exclusively use Tylenol. After describing the specific symptoms to their pharmacist, they can purchase an appropriate pain reliever containing acetaminophen.
■ How long to see the effects?
Each pain reliever has a distinct onset and duration of effect, depending on the dosage form. The difference could be divided into ‘short-acting medicine’ and ‘long-acting medicine’, which we have probably heard of at least once.
Short-acting medicines indicate a quick-dissolving dosage form after taking it, so a prompt reliving effect emerges in 15 minutes. Therefore, they are adequate for acute pain that requires rapid pain relief, such as headache, toothache, and menstrual pain. On the other hand, long-acting drugs last up to 8 hours while gradually relieving pain. They are reasonable for long-lasting pains such as muscle pain, joint pain, and back pain.
■Could they cause liver damage?
Doctors in various fields recommend acetaminophen-based pain relievers for mild or severe pain. Therefore, it is uncontroversial to take within the prescribed usage and dose according to the instructions of the experts. The maximum allowable daily dose of 4000 mg should not be exceeded. Considering this precaution, consumers should study whether other drugs they are currently taking might contain the acetaminophen component.
■Does frequent use of pain relievers also cause resistance?
Resistance to narcotic analgesics might develop when taken for a long time, but most analgesics on the market are non-narcotic analgesics. So resistance and addiction rarely generate. Experts warn that if people tolerate pain because of worries about resistance, they might feel more stress, and this stress might be harmful to the body. People can take painkillers without worrying about resistance if they take them appropriately with valid directions and dosage in the right situation.
■Should they be taken before or after meals?
When taking a drug, consumers should carefully check whether they should take it before or after a meal. Proper taking time for painkillers also differs depending on the ingredients, whether before or after a meal, so it is vital to check the ingredients before taking them.
People can take the acetaminophen-based antipyretic medicine on an empty stomach because of its low risk for gastrointestinal disturbances. On the other hand, consumers should avoid taking the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug on an empty stomach because it blocks pain transmitters called prostaglandins that protect the stomach wall. People should take it with lukewarm water 30 minutes after a meal.
■Can consumers break a large pill and feed children when in a hurry?
When a child has a fever in the middle of the night, some parents split an adult antipyretic tablet. However, if they break the antipyretic tablets, they cannot review the correct dose, and wrong dose can impact the drug effect. Thus consumers should act prudent.
In particular, children should take painkillers for children after consulting with a specialist such as a pharmacist, as appropriate types and dosages of drugs vary according to age and weight. Recently, a powder-type antipyretic medicine has been released, so children with difficulty swallowing pills can consider taking it.
