Acetaminophen is a commonly used medication present in all households. The medication is used to manage pain and reduce fever. Some individuals are unconsciously reaching the maximum dosage since they were also using other medications that contain the drug.
What are the indications?
When an individual uses excess amounts of acetaminophen, there might be no symptoms after using a toxic amount. The individual might be free from symptoms for up to 24 hours after a toxic overdose of the drug.
After this initial period, the usual symptoms include the following:
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Generalized feeling of being sick
- Poor appetite
- Abdominal pain
When an individual uses excess amounts of acetaminophen, there might be no symptoms after using a toxic amount.
When to seek medical care
It is important to call a doctor, emergency assistance or poison control if an individual is suspected with acetaminophen overdose.
Generally, it is vital that an individual suspected with acetaminophen overdose to be treated early before any symptoms occur. Immediate treatment can drastically improve the outcome.
It is vital to seek immediate care at the emergency department in such instances:
- If an individual suspected to overdose on acetaminophen is unconscious, semi-conscious or not breathing, call for immediate emergency care.
- Bring the individual to the emergency department if instructed by poison control.
- Seek emergency if uncertain on the types or amount of medications used.
- If a child took acetaminophen without supervision from an adult and have overdosed, seek medical attention right away.