Is extra-strength acetaminophen better?

• Position: Analgesics - Medical research - Brief Article

True or false, extra-strength acetaminophen gives greater relief from pain and headache than regular-strength? According to a report in The Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics, there are no published data showing that 1,000 mg (two extra-strength tablets) is more effective than 650 (two regular-strength ones) in treating everyday causes of pain such as headache or osteoarthritis.

The Food and Drug Administration has mandated that a stronger warning about potential serious liver injury at higher-than-recommended doses be added to the labeling for acetaminophen products. The Medical Letter indicates that usual doses of acetaminophen are not likely to cause hepatoxicity even in people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol. Recommended doses can be dangerous, however...