Skip to content 
L484 Pill: Uses, Dosage, and Safety
The L484 pill is a common over-the-counter medication used for pain relief and fever reduction. This white, oval-shaped tablet contains acetaminophen, a common ingredient in many pain relievers and cold medications. While it is an effective medication, improper use carries potential risks, including liver damage and severe side effects.
What Is the L484 Pill?
The L484 pill is an oblong pill containing 500 mg of acetaminophen per tablet, which functions as both a pain reliever and an antipyretic medication. It helps lower body temperature during fever symptoms and provides effective relief from moderate pain, such as muscle aches, dental pain, tension headaches, and arthritis pain.
Common Uses
The L484 pill is used for short-term relief of everyday discomforts, including moderate headaches, flu symptoms, body aches, and menstrual cramps. It is also found in cold medicine and flu medications, which combine acetaminophen in combination with other active ingredients to treat multiple symptoms.
Dosage Guidelines
For adults and children over 12 years, the recommended dosage for adults is 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. Following proper dosing instructions is crucial to prevent acetaminophen overdose and severe liver damage.
Administration instructions: The L484 pill should be taken with a full glass of water and can be used with or without food. Chewable tablets and effervescent tablets are available for those who have difficulty swallowing pills.
Potential Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Mild adverse effects include mild stomach pain, loss of appetite, stomach discomfort, and nausea.
Severe Side Effects
Rare but serious reactions include severe skin reactions, dark urine, extreme tiredness, jaundice, and severe stomach pain. Signs of liver damage may indicate acute liver failure or chronic liver damage. Seek medical intervention immediately if symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity occur.
Safety Precautions
Risks of Misuse and Overdose
Acetaminophen overdose can lead to severe health complications, including liver failure. Unintentional overdose can occur if multiple counter drugs containing acetaminophen per dose are taken together.
Drug Interactions
The L484 pill may interact with blood thinners, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), herbal products, and prescription medications like blood-thinning medications. Discuss potential drug interactions with healthcare providers before use.
Comparison with Other Medications
L484 vs. Ibuprofen
Feature | L484 (Acetaminophen) | Ibuprofen |
|---|---|---|
Pain Relief | Yes | Yes |
Fever Reduction | Yes | Yes |
Anti-inflammatory properties | No | Yes |
Stomach Irritation Risk | Low | Higher |
Risk of Liver Toxicity | Higher | Lower |
L484 vs. Aspirin
Feature | L484 (Acetaminophen) | Aspirin |
|---|---|---|
Pain Relief | Yes | Yes |
Fever Reduction | Yes | Yes |
Anti-inflammatory properties | No | Yes |
Blood Thinning Effect | No | Yes |
Safe for Children | Yes | No (risk of Reye’s syndrome) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is L484 safe during pregnancy?
Acetaminophen during pregnancy is generally considered safe, but it is best to consult healthcare professionals before use.
Can children take L484?
The L484 pill is not recommended for children under 12. Pediatric dosage guidelines should be followed, using acetaminophen suppositories or liquid forms for younger children.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If taking it as needed, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.
What are the signs of an allergic response?
A reaction to acetaminophen may include allergic reactions, severe symptoms like rash, swelling, difficulty breathing, and immune response issues. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Proper Storage and Disposal
To prevent accidental ingestion, store the L484 pill in a medicine cabinet away from direct sunlight. Medication disposal programs or a drug take-back program ensure proper disposal. If no take-back program is available, mix unused pills with cat litter or coffee grounds in a watertight container before discarding.
Acetaminophen and Addiction Risks
Although acetaminophen is not an addictive substance, prescription painkillers containing acetaminophen in combination with narcotic painkillers pose a risk of addiction. Prescription drug abuse and addiction to prescription drugs may require treatment for addiction, such as medical treatment, medication-assisted treatment, and evidence-based treatment.
Conclusion
The L484 pill is a widely used counter pain reliever for moderate pain relief and fever relief. While it provides effective pain relief, misuse can lead to acetaminophen toxicity, liver failure, and severe liver damage. Always follow correct dosage guidelines, discuss medication interactions with healthcare providers, and use proper disposal methods to prevent accidental overdose. If you experience negative effects or suspect an acetaminophen overdose, seek medical care immediately.
FAQ's
Yes, long-term use or excessive doses of the L484 pill can lead to liver damage, especially if taken beyond the daily limit of 4,000 mg in a 24-hour period. The metabolism of acetaminophen occurs in the liver, and taking more than the recommended acetaminophen dosage can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process the drug safely. This may result in liver toxicity, which can progress to acute liver failure or chronic liver damage if left untreated.
Individuals with liver disease, those with a history of alcohol abuse, or people who consume excessive alcohol should be particularly cautious, as their risk of liver toxicity is significantly higher. The Liver warning included on the medication label advises against taking this counter painkiller with alcohol in moderation or with other prescription medications known to affect liver function.
The L484 pill contains acetaminophen, which is a common ingredient in many counter medications, including cold medicine, flu medications, and pain relievers. Taking multiple types of acetaminophen products at once increases the risk of overdose and may lead to severe health complications such as acute liver failure.
There are also potential drug interactions with prescription medications, blood-thinning medications, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Combining acetaminophen per dose with blood thinners, such as warfarin, increases the risk of blood clots or excessive bleeding. Additionally, taking it with other pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin may cause gastrointestinal issues, including stomach pain, nausea, or mild stomach pain.
An unintentional overdose of acetaminophen can be dangerous, leading to severe liver damage, health complications, and even life-threatening conditions. Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose may not appear immediately but can develop over extended periods. Overdose symptoms include severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, extreme tiredness, jaundice, and confusion.
If an accidental overdose occurs, immediate medical treatment is necessary. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or go to the emergency room for specialized care. Overdose treatment may include medical supervision, activated charcoal, or N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a medication that helps reduce acetaminophen toxicity.
The L484 pill is effective for moderate pain relief and is often used for short-term relief of conditions such as dental pain, arthritis pain, and tension headaches. However, it is not the best option for long-term pain management, as extended periods of use may lead to liver damage, negative side effects, and health risks.
For individuals experiencing chronic conditions like arthritic pain, alternative pain relief options such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), complementary therapies, and holistic therapies may be more suitable. Motivational therapy, family therapy, and weekday therapy sessions are also beneficial for those dealing with mental health challenges and co-occurring mental health issues that contribute to chronic pain.
