AlbertLiang.net — Blog

Ugh, so I’m sick right now, but thanks to my friend Karen in Detroit, I’ve whipped up this list of drug facts in case I get anyone else sick, too.

• Tylenol (acetaminophen) is bad for the liver (can take it on an empty stomach)
• Advil (ibuprofen) is bad for the stomach (shouldn’t take it on an empty stomach)
• Both drugs merely suppress the immune response, but don’t actually help you get better
• If you have a cold that responds to Tylenol or Advil, you have a viral infection, and you’ll probably be OK.  If it doesn’t respond to Tylenol or Advil, you have a bacterial infection, and you need to go get medical help!  (Antibodies)
• Preventative measures when someone else has a cold is to take vitamins (vit C boost immune system and is more preventative, zinc boost immune system and is more pro-active)
• Depending on your weight, the amount of Tylenol you should take will vary.  Generally, 330mg is enough, unless you are particularly heavy or under-weight.  (Thus, those “extra strength” Tylenols that are 500mg/tablet is overkill.  Definitely don’t take 2, even if that’s what they recommend.)
• Gel caps, liquid gels, and regular tablets are all the same thing.  They are just marketing gimmicks.  (Unless they are specifically formulated for long-lasting or quick-release.)
• “Expired” drug means it has lost 10% of its active ingredient.  In other words, it’s still 90% effective!