Medical experts in the U.S. have recommended new limits on a key ingredient to cough medicines and painkillers which may dramatically alter the way some patients treat colds, headaches and other pains.

A panel of more than 30 doctors, pharmacists and researchers have recommended a number of options to help reduce liver injury associated with acetaminophen, used in the treatment of pain relief. Among the options are to place warnings on the products warning of potential liver damage to a complete withrawal of the drug from the shelves.

It is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the U.S. and may severly limit the choice open to patients and doctors alike.

"Whatever we do on any of these options, it will really affect the whole health care system," said Gerald Dal Pan, director of the FDA's (Food & Drug Administration) office of drug surveillance.

Experts have recommended the FDA lower dosing levels of acetaminophen and proposed that large doses of Tylenol be available by prescription only.

Acetaminophen is an ingredient found in several over-the-counter painkillers such as Excedrin and Tylenol, and a host of cough medicines like NyQuil and Theraflu.

Despite years of educational campaigns and other actions, the FDA states that acetaminophen remains the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S. About 100 people die annually from accidentally overdosing on the drug, though the FDA says it is safe if taken at recommended levels.

Source: Agencies