Whether in your handbag, a drawer at home, or your desk at work, chances are you have acetaminophen melting point on hand, just in case headache or back pain strikes. It is the most widely used pain relief medication in the United States, and it is also considered one of the safest. But recently, its perceived safety has come into question. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or APAP, is a drug commonly used to alleviate mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It is present in more than 600 over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications, including Tylenol and Vicodin.
Headache, muscle aches, back pain, toothache, colds, menstrual pain, and arthritis are among the numerous conditions acetaminophen is used for.

At recommended doses, acetaminophen melting point is considered one of the safest OTC medications. Unlike other common pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen does not raise the risk of stomach or heart problems, making it a go-to medication for people who are unable to tolerate NSAIDs.
What is more, healthcare providers consider acetaminophen as one of the few pain relievers that is generally safe to use during pregnancy; a 2010 study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found the drug causes no increased risk of major birth defectsTrusted Source when used in the first trimester of pregnancy. But, as with all medications, there are risks, and researchers are finding that the risks of acetaminophen use may be more serious than we realize. Last year, a review published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases concluded that the possible risks of acetaminophen have been “underestimated,” with some studies suggesting the drug could raise the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality. In this spotlight, we take a look at some of the well-established risks of acetaminophen use, as well as some that may come as a surprise.

Acetaminophen overdose and liver damage
Liver damage is perhaps the most well-known risk of acetaminophen use, and such damage can arise through overdosing on the drug. After taking acetaminophen melting point, most of the drug is metabolized by the liver and excreted through urination. However, some of the drug is converted into a toxic metabolite that can harm liver cells. Taking too much acetaminophen raises the risk of liver damage, and in severe cases, it can lead to death.