Acetaminophen overdose

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.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

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

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

Home Care

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

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 United States 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.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

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

Outlook (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.

Alternative Names

Tylenol overdose; Paracetamol overdose

References

Goldfrank LR, ed. Goldfrank's Toxicologic Emergencies. 8th ed. New York, NY: McGraw Hill; 2006.

American Association of Poison Control Centers. Practice Guideline: Acetaminophen Poisoning: an Evidence-Based Consensus Guideline for Out-of-Hospital Management. Clinical Toxicology, 2006, Vol. 44; pp. 1–18

Update Date: 2/2/2012

Reviewed by: Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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