Tylenol Poisoning

A Common Household Drug

Tylenol or generic acetaminophen is a drug commonly found in most households. It is used to treat mild fevers and as a pain reducer. Tylenol poisoning can happen when people take the drug in dosages much higher than the prescribed ones, either by accident or on purpose.

Acetaminophen can be found in a wide variety of over-the-counter medications including:

• Alka-Seltzer Plus
• Contac
• Robitussin
• Vick’s Nyquil and DayQuil
• Vicodin
• Percocet
• Actifed

Liver Failure and Tylenol

Tylenol poisoning can cause severe damage to the liver. If the damage is severe enough, a liver transplant may be needed.

Acetaminophen can cause liver failure when the organ cannot metabolize the drug fast enough. The drug overwhelms the liver causing dysfunction. This can happen when too much of the drug is ingested at the same time. It can also occur when a person is weakened due to alcohol abuse, suffering from an infection or any other illness.

Currently, the Food and Drug Administration recommends that people who consume more than three alcoholic drinks per day refrain from using drugs that contain acetaminophen.

Symptoms of Tylenol Poisoning

There are several warning signs that you or a family member may have ingested too much acetaminophen. They are:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• General feeling of being unwell
• Unable to eat
• Abdominal pain

Tests for Poisoning

A person can be tested for toxic levels of acetaminophen by physical and laboratory tests. An attending physician will check for jaundice and other symptoms of poisoning. A blood test may also be performed to check for toxic levels of the drug in the bloodstream. A urine test as well as other blood tests may also be required.

The Antidote

The antidote for Tylenol poisoning is N-acetylcysteine or NAC. If this antidote is administered within eight hours of ingesting a large amount of acetaminophen, severe liver damage can usually be avoided.

The treatment for individuals without symptoms at a medical center are comprised of the following measures:

• Administering activated charcoal to bind any of the remaining drugs in the stomach to the gastrointestinal tract.
• Administering NAC through the mouth or through a tube to the stomach.
• Administering NAC through an IV. NAC is given for a period of 20-72 hours, depending upon the severity of the overdose.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms of poisoning seek medical help immediately. Call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at (800) 222-1222 and be prepared to give the following information:

• All medications the person is taking, including the acetaminophen brand
• The time the person took the medication
• The age and weight of the person, especially if they are a child

Be prepared to take the person immediately to the emergency room if directed to do so by the Poison Control Center.

Call 911 if the person is having trouble breathing or is unconscious. Remember, the antidote must be administered within eight hours to help a person avoid liver damage or failure.

Conclusion

While Tylenol is considered a safe drug for short-term use, it can cause unexpected problems when taken in doses higher than prescribed. The drug can also cause problems in those that suffer from alcohol abuse, have an infection or are currently ill. If a person has taken too much of the drug they may have symptoms including nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. If you suspect someone has taken too much of the drug, but they aren’t experiencing any of the symptoms, call the Poison Control Center. When a person is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, call 911 immediately. Tylenol poisoning must be treated within eight hours in order to avoid liver damage or liver failure.