Sunnybrook pharmacist discusses Health Canada's acetaminophen dosage considerations

Health Canada is considering new guidelines around acetaminophen, which could include a change to the maximum daily dosage, and moving some formulations behind pharmacists' counters.

Acetaminophen is a medication most Canadians have at home to treat fever and pain. It's most commonly known as the drug in Tylenol, but it's also found in hundreds of other medications to treat conditions like colds and sinusitis.

Sunnybrook Pharmacist Karen Lam says there is a risk of unknowingly taking too much acetaminophen when treating various ailments with multiple medications, which can lead to serious liver injury. She says even when available over-the-counter, medications should be discussed with a pharmacist to rule out any potentially harmful interactions.