Acetaminophen Poisoning: Symptoms, Risks & What to Do

Acetaminophen is a very commonly used medicine. It's a staple in most households because it treats aches and pains, fever and headache. But, it can be dangerous if taken incorrectly or in conjunction with alcohol.

Instructions

• 1

  Know that you may not show symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning for 24 hours after overdosing.

• 2

  Look for symptoms such as nausea, not feeling well, vomiting and inability to eat or loss of appetite.

• 3

  Call for help as soon as you think someone took a toxic amount of acetaminophen. It's preferable they get treatment even before the symptoms emerge. The outcome is greatly improved the earlier they get to a doctor.

• 4

  Go to the emergency room if you're advised to by the poison control center. This also applies if you think a child took acetaminophen without supervision.

• 5

  Bring medicine bottles to the emergency room with you. This will help the doctor establish a patient history and know exactly what he's dealing with.

• 6

  Cooperate as the doctor performs a physical. He will be looking for signs of acetaminophen poisoning, including abdominal pain and jaundice. A lab test will also be done with blood work.