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Acetaminophen overdose

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Contents of this page:

Alternative names   

Tylenol overdose; Paracetamol overdose

Definition    Return to top

Poisoning from an overdose of acetaminophen.

Where Found    Return to top

Note: This list is not all inclusive.

Commonly found dosage forms and strengths:

Symptoms    Return to top

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

Home Treatment    Return to top

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

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

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

Poison Control, or a local emergency number    Return to top

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    Return to top

Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:

Expectations (prognosis)    Return to top

Prognosis is related to the amount of acetamenophen 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.

Update Date: 5/23/2003

Updated by: Todd Severson, M.D., Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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