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    Acetaminophen overdose

    Definition

    Poisoning from an overdose of acetaminophen.

    Alternative Names

    Tylenol overdose; Paracetamol overdose

    Where Found

    • Tylenol
    • Anacin-3
    • Liquiprin
    • Panadol
    • Percocet
    • Tempra

    Note: This list is not all inclusive.

    Commonly found 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

    Symptoms

    Note: Symptoms may be delayed for 12 or more hours after the acetaminophen was swallowed.

    Home Care

    There is no home treatment. Contact Poison Control immediately if someone has consumed an overdose of acetaminophen: 1-800-222-1222.

    Extreme overdose of acetaminophen can lead to death in several days but can be treated effectively if rapid treatment is administered.

    Before Calling Emergency

    Determine the following information:

    • The patient's age, weight, and condition
    • The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
    • The time it was swallowed
    • The amount swallowed

    The Poison Control or local emergency telephone representative will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. The national Poison Control hotline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

    Take the container with you to the emergency room.

    What to Expect at the Emergency Room

    Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

    • Administer activated charcoal.
    • Administer a laxative.
    • Monitor blood levels of acetaminophen.
    • Depending on blood levels, administer an antidote over a period of several days.
    • Treat the symptoms.

    Outlook (Prognosis)

    Prognosis is related to the amount of acetaminophen ingested and how soon treatment is started. If treatment is started within 8 hours of ingestion, or a less than toxic dose is ingested, there is a very good chance of recovery.


    Review Date: 2/15/2005
    Reviewed By: William D. Whetstone, M.D., Division of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
    The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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