Tylenol (acetaminophen) is one of the most frequently used medicines in the world, and because it is so well known and readily available, many people assume it is harmless. But what they don't realize is that acetaminophen overdose is a common and potentially deadly poisoning. Its symptoms are many and wide-ranging, and they may take 12 hours or more to show themselves.
Intestinal/Digestive Symptoms
Acetaminophen overdose causes many symptoms in the digestive system. They include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Behavioral Symptoms
Acetaminophen overdose can also cause changes in a person's behavior. People who have overdosed may lose their appetite or become irritable, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Other Symptoms
Acetaminophen overdose also causes sweating, jaundice, convulsions and coma, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Treatment
A fast response is key to recovering from acetaminophen overdose, and it requires professional medical help. If you suspect you or someone you know has overdosed, call 911 or the National Poison Control Center. The center will put you in touch with a local poison control expert who will give you further instructions. Its telephone number is (800) 222-1222.
Prognosis
According to the National Institutes of Health, chances of recovery are best if the patient is treated within eight hours of the overdose. But an especially large overdose can lead to liver failure and death without rapid treatment.
Children At Risk
Anyone can overdose on acetaminophen, but children are particularly at risk, according to the Mayo Clinic. The clinic recommends that parents or caretakers make sure to give children an age-appropriate version of the drug (such as Children's Tylenol) and the correct dosage as written on the bottle, and to keep the bottle out of the child's reach. Children may mistake the pills for candy or the liquid form for juice.
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