An analgesic composition is provided which is safe and effective to patients requiring pain modulation. The analgesic composition contains (a) acetaminophen and (b) at least three components chosen from (i) a bioavailable oral opioid (ii) a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (iii) a sulfur-containing, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine scavenging agent or prodrug thereof or (iv) an agent which lowers acetaminophen toxicity. These analgesic compositions inhibit the formation or reduce the presence of NAPQI, the toxic acetaminophen by-product responsible for liver toxicity in patients. These analgesic compositions are also safely tolerated by patients administering more than the maximum dosage of acetaminophen.
