Acetaminophen Overdose

If you take too much acetaminophen, overdose symptoms may occur within the first 24 hours. These symptoms may include nausea or vomiting, sweating, appetite loss, and diarrhea. In the next 24 to 48 hours, the early symptoms start to disappear, but liver damage starts to occur. Because of these potentially serious effects, early treatment after an acetaminophen overdose is important.

 

Acetaminophen Overdose: An Overview

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is a commonly used non-prescription medication, and acetaminophen overdose is one of the most common poisonings worldwide. The effects of an acetaminophen overdose will vary depending on a number of factors, including the acetaminophen dose and whether it was taken with any other medicines, alcohol, or street drugs.
 
An overdose can occur as the result of a single intentional or accidental one-time overdose. However, chronically taking an acetaminophen dosage that is too high can also result in overdose. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in a wide variety of non-prescription and prescription products, and accidental overdose is often the result of taking multiple products that contain acetaminophen (see Tylenol Poisoning for more information).
 
Even though acetaminophen is extremely safe when taken appropriately, it can be very dangerous if you take too much. If you happen to overdose on acetaminophen, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Symptoms of an Acetaminophen Overdose

Within the first 24 hours after an acetaminophen overdose, the following symptoms often occur:
 
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Appetite loss
  • Sweating
  • Irritability.
     
However, many people experience no symptoms early after an acetaminophen overdose. In the next 24 to 72 hours, the early symptoms start to go away, but liver damage starts to occur. The first symptom of liver damage is usually upper right abdominal pain or tenderness (near the liver), and a healthcare provider may notice that the liver is enlarged. After this, liver failure may occur, causing symptoms such as:
 
  • Yellow eyes and skin
  • Dark urine
  • Confusion
  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
  • Bleeding
  • Nausea and vomiting.
     
Some people also experience kidney failure or heart problems. Death may occur, usually as the result of swelling in the brain, infections, or multiple organ failure.
 
(Acetaminophen Overdose Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;