New dosage labels for Extra Strength Tylenol

The manufacturers of Tylenol announced Thursday new dosage instructions for acetaminophen.

"Acetaminophen is safe when used as directed," Dr. Edwin Kuffner, vice president of over-the-counter medical affairs and clinical research at McNeil, said in a prepared statement. "But, when too much is taken (overdose), it can cause liver damage."

"Some people accidentally exceed the recommended dose when taking multiple products at the same time, often without realizing they contain acetaminophen or by not reading and following the dosing instructions." Kuffner said. "McNeil is revising its labels for products containing acetaminophen in an attempt to decrease the likelihood of accidental overdosing in those instances."

According to McNeil, the maximum dosage for Extra Strength Tylenol will be lowered from 8 pills a day down to 6 pills a day. The dosage will be lowered from 4,000 mg to 3,000 mg. Consumers are advised to follow new dosage instructions to avoid injury.

Reuters Health reported:

McNeil notified the U.S. Food and Drug Administration the new dosing instructions will appear on Extra Strength Tylenol products in the U.S. beginning fall 2011.

The company will also lower the maximum daily dose for Regular Strength Tylenol and other acetaminophen-containing products for adults starting in 2012.

Sister site CBSNews.com reported back in June about Tylenol recalls due to a musty odor.

Image: Flickr via ragesoss

Tell us: How much Tylenol is too much? Do you follow the dosage instructions on the back of the box?

Related links: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20075497-10391704.html

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com