FDA Warns Against High-Dosage Acetaminophen

Concerns about potential liver damage

The Food and Drug Administration is asking doctors to stop prescribing combination medications that contain more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen per pill, because of long-standing concerns about liver damage.

The move, announced Tuesday, is one of a series of actions the FDA is taking to limit high-dose use of the popular painkiller. FDA already has asked drug-makers to stop producing combination prescription medications with higher doses. More than half of manufacturers have complied, according to the FDA statement.

The products typically combine acetaminophen with opioid painkillers, such as hydrocodone and codeine, and are commonly prescribed after injuries, surgeries and dental procedures.