Be careful mixing OTC medications with prescription drugs

Combining over-the-counter (OTC) medications with prescription drugs can be dangerous, according to a new study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine. One of the key concerns, for example, is the widespread use of nonprescription medications containing acetaminophen. Many prescription drugs also include this ingredient. Too much acetaminophen—the primary ingredient in Tylenol and Triaminic—can cause serious and even fatal liver damage. You should avoid taking more than 3 grams (3,000 mg) of acetaminophen a day. You can easily tell how much acetaminophen is in an OTC medicine: it's on the label. But if you are unsure whether your prescription painkillers contain acetaminophen, ask your doctor or pharmacist.