 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | | Alternative Names:
Tylenol overdose; Paracetamol overdose Home Treatment:
There is no home treatment. Contact Poison Control immediately if someone has consumed an overdose of acetaminophen: 1-800-222-1222. Text Continues Below
Extreme overdose of acetaminophen can lead to death in several days but can be treated effectively if rapid treatment is administered. Before Calling Emergency:
Determine the following information: - The patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- The time it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
Poison Control, or a local emergency number:
The Poison Control or local emergency telephone representative will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. The national Poison Control hotline can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.
Take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room:
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed: - Administer activated charcoal.
- Administer a laxative.
- Monitor blood levels of acetaminophen.
- Depending on blood levels, administer an antidote over a period of several days.
- Treat the symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis):
Prognosis is related to the amount of acetaminophen ingested and how soon treatment is started. If treatment is started within 8 hours of ingestion, or a less than toxic dose is ingested, there is a very good chance of recovery.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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