Health Encyclopedia

Acetaminophen overdose

Definition

Acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings worldwide. People often think that acetaminophen, a pain-relieving medicine, is extremely safe. However, it may be deadly if taken in large doses.

Alternative Names

Tylenol overdose; Paracetamol overdose

Where Found

Acetaminophen is found in a variety of over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers.

Tylenol is a brand name for acetominophen. Other medicines that contain acetominophen include:

Anacin-3
Liquiprin
Panadol
Percocet
Tempra
Various cold and flu medicines

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

Common dosage forms and strengths:

Suppository: 120 mg*, 125 mg, 325 mg, 650 mg
Chewable tablets: 80 mg
Junior tablets: 160 mg
Regular strength: 325 mg
Extra strength: 500 mg
Liquid: 160 mg/teaspoon
Drops: 100 mg/mL, 120 mg/2.5 mL

*mg = milligrams

You should not take more than 4000 mg of acetaminophen a day. Taking more, especially 7000 mg or more, can lead to a severe overdose if not treated.

Symptoms

Abdominal pain
Appetite loss
Coma
Convulsions
Diarrhea
Irritability
Jaundice
Nausea
Sweating
Upset stomach
Vomiting

Note: Symptoms may not occur until 12 or more hours after the acetaminophen was swallowed.

Home Treatment

There is no home treatment. Seek immediate medical help.

Before Calling Emergency

Determine the following information:

Patient's age, weight, and condition
Name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)
Time it was swallowed
Amount swallowed

Poison Control, or a local emergency number

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the U.S. use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See National Poison Control Center.

What to expect at the emergency room

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Blood tests will be done to check how much acetaminophen is in the blood. The patient may receive:

Medicines to treat symptoms
Activated charcoal
Laxative
Medicine (antidote) to reverse the effect of the poison

Expectations (prognosis)

If treatment is received within 8 hours of the overdose, there is a very good chance of recovery.

However, without rapid treatment, a very large overdose of acetaminophen can lead to liver failure and death in a few days.

Review Date:4/8/2008
Reviewed By:A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz, Kelli A. Stacy, ELS. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (1/17/2007).

ADAM Quality A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

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