When to Seek Medical Care

You must call a doctor, a poison control center, or emergency medical services for any suspected acetaminophen overdose.

Overall it is important that anyone suspected to have taken an overdose of acetaminophen get treatment early, before symptoms occur. Starting treatment early can greatly improve the outcome.

Seek emergency medical care at a hospital's emergency department.

• If the person suspected to have taken an overdose of acetaminophen is unconscious, semiconscious, or not breathing, call 911 immediately.

• Go to the hospital's emergency department if the poison control center tells you to go.

• Seek emergency care if you are unsure of the types and amounts of medication taken.

• If a child took acetaminophen without adult supervision and may have taken an overdose, seek immediate medical attention.