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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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.