For the dental patient ... Acetaminophen overdose and liver damage.

A cetaminophen is the generic name of an active ingredient found in many overthe-counter (OTC) products and prescription medications. Acetaminophen also is known by various OTC brand names, such as Tylenol (McNeil Consumer Healthcare, Fort Washington, Pa.). The drug also is used in combination with other active ingredients, called “combination medicines,” to treat symptoms of colds and influenza (flu), allergy and insomnia. Prescription drugs (such as Vicodin, Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill.) contain acetaminophen and other active ingredients to help relieve pain.