Be aware of risks of pain pills

I take six Tylenol Arthritis Pain pills every day. They contain 650 milligrams each of acetaminophen. I read recently that acetaminophen can increase blood pressure. Should I worry?

You are taking the maximum allowable daily dose of acetaminophen (3,900 milligrams daily). Recent research has shown that routine use of as little as 500 milligrams of this pain reliever daily may elevate the risk of developing high blood pressure for some women.

The Nurses' Health Study has been following thousands of women for decades. Those who relied on acetaminophen nearly doubled their likelihood of developing higher blood pressure within a three-year period (Hypertension, August 2005). Regular use of ibuprofen and naproxen also raised the risk of hypertension.

Another study found that regular use of acetaminophen might also increase the risk of kidney disease. And too much acetaminophen, especially when combined with alcohol, may put a strain on the liver.



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Is it beneficial to eat yogurt when taking antibiotics?

Many broad-spectrum antibiotics can upset the digestive tract by killing off good intestinal bacteria. Swallowing live yogurt cultures or probiotic supplements may re-establish proper balance.

There is one caution, however. The calcium in yogurt may interfere with the absorption of certain antibiotics. Wait at least two hours after taking your medicine before eating yogurt.

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Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at People's Pharmacy, King Features Syndicate, 888 7th Ave., New York, NY 10019, or at peoplespharmacy@gmail.com.