Tylenol maker to change dosage guidelines

The makers of Extra Strength Tylenol brand acetaminophen say the maximum dose will soon be six, not eight pills a day, and new labeling will reflect the change. Johnson & Johnson's McNeil Consumer Healthcare said labels would carry new dosing instructions this fall, WebMD reported Thursday. "Acetaminophen is safe when used as directed," said Edwin Kuffner, McNeil vice president of over-the-counter medical affairs. "But, when too much is taken, it can cause liver damage." The new labeling is intended to reduce the risk of accidental overdoses, the company said in a release. The company also said it would lower the maximum dosage of its Regular Strength Tylenol and other acetaminophen-containing products in 2012. The new Extra Strength Tylenol label will recommend taking no more than 3,000 milligrams of acetaminophen daily, down from the previous 4,000 milligrams, it said.