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Adviced Lortab 5mg/500 Tylenol For Chronic Pain After Accident. Pain Under Rib Cage. Is The Dosage Safe On Liver?
Question: I was prescribed Lortab 5mg/500 Tylenol 4 times daily for chronic pain from a car accident. I have been taking this dose for about 3 months now. The highest does I have taken during any given 24 hours might have been 3200mg when the pain is severe. I am having horrible pain on my right side under rib cage. I have been to the ER three times and have CT scans done. No doctor here will take my concerns of my liver seriously because they say that is a "safe dose" I am severly depressed because I feel like I am going to die because my liver is being damaged. Is this dose something that will cause liver problems (I do not drink) or am I being overly anxious? Also is it true (a friend told me) that if I have damaged my liver I will need a liver transplant or die?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A dose of 3200 mg for acetaminophen is a safe dose. It is not likely to cause any liver damage at this dose. Still to be very sure about your liver function you can get your liver function tests done to find out how your liver is doing.
The pain in the right upper abdomen just below the ribs suggests few conditions such as
1. Peptic ulcers/gastritis - Anxiety and spicy food can induce gastritis / ulcers.
2. Liver or gall bladder inflammation
It is advisable that you have a bland easy to digest food for some days and get some tests done such as
a) Liver function tests done to detect any related pathology like fatty liver.
b) Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
c) Ultrasound examination will also be helpful in detecting any hepatic pathology and will rule out other probable causes like renal disease or gall bladder calculus.
You may discuss about these option with your primary doctor. Perhaps consulting a 'gastroenterologist' might also be useful and you may get the above tests under their guidance. Some medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors and liver supportive drugs will help in treating the problem.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Thanks for posting your query.
A dose of 3200 mg for acetaminophen is a safe dose. It is not likely to cause any liver damage at this dose. Still to be very sure about your liver function you can get your liver function tests done to find out how your liver is doing.
The pain in the right upper abdomen just below the ribs suggests few conditions such as
1. Peptic ulcers/gastritis - Anxiety and spicy food can induce gastritis / ulcers.
2. Liver or gall bladder inflammation
It is advisable that you have a bland easy to digest food for some days and get some tests done such as
a) Liver function tests done to detect any related pathology like fatty liver.
b) Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy
c) Ultrasound examination will also be helpful in detecting any hepatic pathology and will rule out other probable causes like renal disease or gall bladder calculus.
You may discuss about these option with your primary doctor. Perhaps consulting a 'gastroenterologist' might also be useful and you may get the above tests under their guidance. Some medications such as antacids, proton pump inhibitors and liver supportive drugs will help in treating the problem.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Well that is what I have been trying to do is get the test done but my Dr is refusing to do them because he says they are not necessary. Also I do not have a gallbladder anymore but that is they exact area that it is hurting. I suppose I will just have to wait it out and see since no one seems to really care enough to see what is going on. Thanks for your answer.
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Doing some blood tests will definitely help in your management. If your present doctor is refusing for these tests then you can opt for a second opinion.
Try having some antacids like tums or tablet omeprazole once a day on an empty stomach for few days and see if the symptoms improve.
Consulting a gastroenterologist will help you further.
Hope my answer is helpful. Write back if you have further queries.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Thanks for writing again.
Doing some blood tests will definitely help in your management. If your present doctor is refusing for these tests then you can opt for a second opinion.
Try having some antacids like tums or tablet omeprazole once a day on an empty stomach for few days and see if the symptoms improve.
Consulting a gastroenterologist will help you further.
Hope my answer is helpful. Write back if you have further queries.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Radhika
Answered by
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