Acetaminophen overdose

Acetaminophen Overdose

An acetaminophen overdose is a serious medical condition that occurs when an individual ingests more acetaminophen than the body can safely process. Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is a common over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Causes

An acetaminophen overdose can occur accidentally or intentionally. Accidental overdoses often occur when a person takes more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen within a 24-hour period, or takes multiple products containing acetaminophen at the same time. Intentional overdoses are often associated with suicide attempts.

Symptoms

Symptoms of an acetaminophen overdose can be subtle and may not appear until several hours after ingestion. Early symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and general malaise. If left untreated, an acetaminophen overdose can lead to liver damage, jaundice, and even liver failure.

Treatment

Treatment for an acetaminophen overdose should be sought immediately. The primary treatment is the administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which can help to prevent liver damage if given within 8 hours of ingestion. In severe cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.

Prevention

Prevention of an acetaminophen overdose involves education about the dangers of exceeding the recommended dose and the importance of not combining multiple products containing acetaminophen. It is also important to store medications safely out of reach of children.

See Also

• Paracetamol toxicity
• Drug overdose
• Liver failure