Which medication can cause liver damage when taken above 3,000 mg per day?

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Prepare for the HOSA Pharmacy Science Assessment. Utilize flashcards and multiple choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The medication that can cause liver damage when taken above 3,000 mg per day is acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is widely used as a pain reliever and fever reducer, and it can be found in many over-the-counter medications. While it is generally safe when used at recommended dosages, excessive use can lead to toxicity and potentially severe liver damage.

The liver metabolizes acetaminophen, and high doses can overwhelm the liver's ability to process the drug safely. When the liver processes acetaminophen, it produces a toxic metabolite that can cause damage, particularly when levels exceed the threshold of 3,000 mg daily. Symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, and jaundice, among others.

In contrast, ibuprofen, carbamazepine, and prednisone do not have the same level of risk for liver damage at their typical usage levels as acetaminophen does. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that may affect the kidneys with excessively high doses, carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that carries other risks, and prednisone is a corticosteroid that can have various side effects, but they do not pose the same specific

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