Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose

Overview

Acetaminophen is in many cold, flu, and sleep medicines, so people can take too much by accident.

Liver damage may not show for 1 to 3 days.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Took too much acetaminophen
• Vomiting

Less common

• Nausea
• Belly pain

Look up a symptom: Nausea · Stomach pain · Vomiting · Yellow skin or eyes

When to get medical care

Diagnosis

Blood tests.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Acetaminophen level:
• Liver tests:

Treatment

Get help right away, even if you feel fine.

Self-care

• Use one acetaminophen product at a time
• Keep medicines locked up

Prevention

To prevent:

• Check labels for acetaminophen
• Store medicines locked

Which doctor treats this

• Emergency doctors treat it first, in the ER.
• Poison Control can help right away, any time: call 1-800-222-1222.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Recovery time varies. Ask your care team when you can drive, lift, work, and exercise.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Heavy drinkers: Higher risk of liver damage.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Early treatment prevents liver damage.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing my symptoms?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose