America’s Most Popular Painkiller: New Safety Guidelines

Yesterday government health experts recommended sweeping new regulations on Tylenol and other drugs containing acetaminophen.

Every year, acetaminophen overdoses send 56,000 people to the emergency
room, cause 26,000 hospitalizations, and take more than 450 lives from
liver damage, according to the FDA.

The FDA's decision affects a variety of popular over the counter products, including the recommended dosage of Extra Strength Tylenol and other Tylenol products. The FDA say the drug itself is safe, but the problem is too many people are ignoring dosage recommendations. The dosing instructions for Extra Strength Tylenol indicate that adults should take two 500-mg tablets every 4 to 6 hours. The FDA recommends that the two tablet dose be reduced to 325-mg tablets.

Click here for the latest on the FDA's acetaminophen recommendations and vote.

WATCH: Dr. Tim Johnson outlines the new guidelines on acetaminophen

Click here for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Frequently Asked Questions Guide for consumers on how to safely use acetaminophen.

For the latest, contact your doctor or the FDA at 1-888-INFO-FDA.