Overdosing on acetaminophen can be dangerous and is one of the most common causes of medication poisoning.
nomadnes / Getty Images
1.
Nausea and Vomiting
One early sign of too much acetaminophen is stomach upset, including nausea and vomiting.
nomadnes / Getty Images
Sweating
Sweating can be an early sign ofacetaminophen poisoning.
It tends to develop within 24 hours of an overdose.
The liver plays a key role in regulating body temperature.
Anaphylactic Reaction
An anaphylactic response to acetaminophen is rare but possible.Anaphylaxisis a severe allergic reaction to a substance.
It causes swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips.
You may have trouble breathing or swallowing, go into shock, or become unresponsive.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening emergency.
If you think you or someone else may be experiencing anaphylaxis, seek emergency medical treatment or call 911.
Jaundice
Jaundiceis a yellowing of the skin and eyes.
you might develop jaundice from acetaminophen within three to four days of taking an excessive amount.
At this stage, the pancreas may also become inflamed, and the kidneys may have difficulty working.
You may also need a liver transplant.
How Much Is Too Much?
Many over-the-counter (OTC) products contain acetaminophen.
Be sure to read the labels of any medications you take to understand the daily limits.
Who Should Avoid or Use Caution With Acetaminophen?
People who have liver disease should not take acetaminophen without talking to their healthcare provider.
They come in creams, lotions, and sprays that contain menthol or mild topical anesthetics.
How Tylenol Differs From NSAIDs
NSAIDsare pain relievers likeibuprofen,aspirin, or naproxen.
It can be easier on the stomach than NSAIDs.
They can assess whether acetaminophen is the best choice and recommend the safest dosage.
An acetaminophen overdose is serious and can be deadly.
Effective treatment for acetaminophen side effects depends on getting quick treatment.
Summary
Acetaminophen is an ingredient in many pain relievers, including Tylenol.
Rare side effects include a severe skin reaction or anaphylaxis.
Be aware of how much acetaminophen is safe for you to take, and follow the recommended guidelines.
Food and Drug Administration.Don’t overuse acetaminophen,
DailyMed.Acetaminophen 500 mg- acetaminophen tablet.
Piedmont Healthcare.What happens if you take too much acetaminophen?
Food and Drug Administration.FDA issues agency-initiated proposed order regarding OTC monograph drugs containing acetaminophen.
BMJ Best Practice.Acetaminophen overdose.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Acute liver failure.
American College of Gastroenterology.Medications and the liver.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA 101: dietary supplements.
Arthritis Foundation.Natural relief for arthritis pain.
Harvard Health.Where to turn for pain reliefacetaminophen or NSAIDs?
