This can indeed be dangerous research suggests that 40% of acetaminophen overdoses cases are accidental.īut when taken at recommended doses, acetaminophen has surprisingly few side-effects and rarely harms older adults. So people can easily end up taking more daily acetaminophen than they realize. Nyquil, Theraflu) and prescription medications (e.g. The tricky thing with acetaminophen is that it’s actually included in lots of different over-the-counter medications (e.g. So if an older person has a history of alcohol abuse or chronic liver disease, then an even lower daily limit will be needed, and I would strongly advise you to talk to a doctor about what daily limit might be suitable. It is processed by the liver and in high doses can cause serious - sometimes even life-threatening - liver injury. What’s the safest OTC painkiller for an older parent?įor most older adults, the safest oral OTC painkiller for daily or frequent use is acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol), provided you are careful to not exceed a total dose of 3,000mg per day.Īcetaminophen is usually called paracetamol outside the U.S. So let me tell you what OTC painkiller geriatricians usually consider the safest, and which very common group of painkillers you should look out for. That’s because improper use of OTC painkillers is actually a major cause of harm to older adults. That said, it’s a good idea to ask what over-the-counter analgesics are safest for older people. You’re also more likely to help your mom reduce her pains if you can help her doctors identify the underlying causes of her pain. After all, frequent pain can be the sign of an important underlying health problem that needs attention. If your mother has been complaining, you’ll want to make sure she gets a careful evaluation from her doctor. What is the safest over-the-counter painkiller for her to take? Aren’t some of them bad for your liver and kidneys?Ī: Frequent aches and pains are a common problem for older adults. Q: My 88-year old mother often complains of various aches and pains.