Which medication shows the potential for causing liver toxicity when taken in high doses?

Prepare for Dunphy Primary Care Exam 3 with interactive quizzes, detailed explanations, and flashcards. Enhance your understanding and get ready to ace your exam!

Acetaminophen is well-known for its potential to cause liver toxicity, particularly when taken in high doses or when there is chronic alcohol use. The liver metabolizes acetaminophen, and excessive intake can lead to the formation of a toxic metabolite that overwhelms the liver's detoxification pathways, resulting in hepatocellular injury and potentially acute liver failure.

This risk of liver damage is significant because acetaminophen is available in many over-the-counter medications, and patients may inadvertently exceed the recommended dosing limits. It's essential for healthcare providers to instruct patients on the safe use of acetaminophen and monitor for signs of liver dysfunction if high doses are necessary for pain management.

In contrast, medications like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen, while they can have various side effects such as gastrointestinal complications or renal issues, are not primarily associated with liver toxicity in the same way that acetaminophen is. Therefore, acetaminophen stands out as the correct answer in this context.

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