Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning Overview
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning Causes
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Poisoning Overview

Acetaminophen is one of the most common medications found in households. It is used for the treatment of pain and to lower fever.

Over many years, it has been used countless times by many people and it has proven to be a safe and effective medication. However, if taken in excess amounts (overdose, whether on purpose or by accident), acetaminophen can cause life-threatening illness.

• Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. It is also found in many other over-the-counter medications you can buy at the drug store and in prescription drugs your doctor prescribes: Common names include Actifed, Alka-Seltzer Plus, Benadryl, Butalbital, Co-Gesic, Contac, Darvocet, Excedrin, Fioricet, Lortab, Midrin, Norco, Percocet, Robitussin, Sedapap, Sinutab, Sudafed, TheraFlu, Unisom With Pain, Vick's Nyquil and DayQuil, Vicodin, Wygesic, and Zydone.
  
  
• Acetaminophen in overdose can seriously damage the liver. If the damage is severe, a liver transplant may be necessary in order to save a life.
  
  
  • The antidote to acetaminophen overdose is N-acetylcysteine (NAC). It is most effective when given within 8 hours of ingesting acetaminophen. Indeed, NAC can prevent liver failure if given early enough. For this reason, it is absolutely necessary that acetaminophen poisoning be recognized, diagnosed, and treated as early as possible.