If you have the flu and thought about taking some acetaminophen tablets, don’t bother. A recent study found that the popular pain-relieving drug is no more effective against flu symptoms than a placebo.
Researchers in New Zealand found that acetaminophen – has no noticeable effect on fever and other flu symptoms. Their findings were published in the journal Respirology.
The researchers randomized 80 people with flu symptoms. Some study participants got 1,000 milligrams of acetaminophen four times a day for five days, while others received a placebo.
The study found that there were no differences in symptoms among those who took the drug and those who didn’t. All the key measures of illness – such as mean daily body temperature, severity of symptoms, viral load and length of time that symptoms persisted – were virtually the same among the two groups.
That led researchers to conclude that there was no clear evidence that acetaminophen helps with flu symptoms, said Dr. Irene Braithwaite of the Medical Research Institute of New Zealand.
While the researchers found no evidence that acetaminophen does any harm to flu victims, they still suggest using it with care. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends a daily acetaminophen dose of no more than 4,000 milligrams. Taking too much of the drug can lead to liver failure.
Braithwaite and other medical experts have a better idea for fighting the flu: Get a flu shot. The vaccine isn’t perfect at warding off the flu, but Braithwaite said it’s the best available protection.
So if you’re in the grips of the flu this season, switch your strategy: The needle pinch of a flu vaccine will do more to help you than a bottle of acetaminophen.