Studies and Statistics Regarding Acetaminophen Overdoses

Several medical conditions associated with acetaminophen overdose have been the focus of many clinical studies. Theses studies have been conducted to gain a better understanding of the affects that acetaminophen has on the human body in larger than recommended doses. McLaughlin and his associates note that, "heavy use of analgesics, particularly over-the-counter (OTC) products, has long been associated with chronic renal failure, including acetaminophen." A 2002 study pointed out that, "most instances of hepatotoxicity due to paracetamol in the United Kingdom and Australia are the result of large overdoses of the drug taken with suicidal or parasuicidal intent. In contrast, serious hepatotoxicity at recommended or near-recommended doses for therapeutic purposes has been reported, mainly from the United States and in association with chronic alcohol use, leading to the widely held belief that chronic alcoholics are predisposed to paracetamol-related toxicity at relatively low doses." Paracetamol is more commonly known as acetaminophen in the United States.


Hypokalemia is also a recognized complication of acute acetaminophen overdose which may lead to cardiac arrhythmia's as well as fatigue and muscle weakness. Hypokalemia is defined as low potassium levels within the blood. Mild hypokalemia is often not associated with signs and symptoms. In 2005 the Southern Medical Journal reported that acetaminophen is the most common drug overdose in pregnancy. Acetaminophen has been demonstrated to cross the placenta and in toxic doses may harm the fetal and maternal hepatocytes (liver cells) and may cause fetal hepatic necrosis, abnormal liver cell death.


A study published in 2009 reported that acetaminophen was the number 1 cause of emergency department visits among children related to unintentional medication overdoses. Of the 6,028 visits, 289 were related to acetaminophen compared to the 211 visits due to opioid (i.e. codeine, morphine, hydrocodone) overdoses.





McLaughlin, J., Lipworth, L., Chow, W., &Blot, W. (1998, September). Analgesic use and chronic renal failure: a critical review of the epidemiologic literature. Kidney International, 54(3), 679-686. Retrieved September 8, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
Riordan, S., & Williams, R. (2002, April). Alcohol exposure and paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. Addiction Biology, 7(2), 191-206. Retrieved September 8, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
Waring, W., Stephen, A., Malkowska, A., & Robinson, O. (2008, March 28). Acute acetaminophen overdose is associated with dose-dependent hypokalaemia: a prospective study of 331 patients. Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology, 102(3), 325-328. Retrieved September 8, 2009, from MEDLINE database.
Wilkes, J., Clark, L., & Herrera, J. (2005, November). Acetaminophen overdose in pregnancy. Southern Medical Journal, 98(11), 1118-1122. Retrieved September 8, 2009, from MEDLINE database.

Acetaminophen overdose happens more frequently than you think. Acetaminophen poisoning has become the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States. Although many of those cases involve attempted suicides, almost 50% are the result of unintentional overdoses. Above is a table listing the various signs and symptoms associated with acetaminophen poisoning.

Here is a reminder of the important things to consider when administering or ingesting acetaminophen:

• Maximum dosage for adults per day is 4 grams or 4,000 milligrams.
• Maximum dosage for infants and children depends on their weight and dosage must be obtained from their practicing pediatrician.
• If you are taking a combination of medications consult your healthcare provider to inquire if it is safe to take acetaminophen products along with your other medications.
• Always use the provided measuring tool for liquid acetaminophen.
• Always follow the dosing guidelines provided on the medication bottle.

Below is a story of how an acetaminophen overdose affected a family and the lessons to be learned when taking the common OTC pain reliever:



DiJoseph, S (2006). Test for Liver Damage from Acetaminophen Poisioning Found To Be 100% Accurate, (www.newsinferno.com), Retrieved from link: http://www.newsinferno.com/archives/1133 http://video.aol.com/video-detail/danger-in-your-medicine-cabinet/4232588662

Self-Medicating is Easy

If you have ever suffered from a headache or other ailment you've more than likely reached into your medicine cabinet, grabbed a bottle of Tylenol and have taken 2-3 tablets. Consumers self-medicate daily and it has been made easier to do with over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as Tylenol, otherwise known as acetaminophen. Tylenol, like other similar pain relievers/fever reducers, can be purchased without a prescription or doctor's appointment and has been labeled a "wonder" drug.Acetaminophen has been packaged and sold as an OTC antipyretic, which acts as a fever reducer, and an analgesic or pain reliever since 1960. It is in over 600 OTC and prescription drugs including cough and cold medications, sleep aids, Vicodin, Percocet and several others. Acetaminophen is a wonderful drug for relieving pain and reducing fever when taken properly, but thousands of consumers have not been properly educated in correct and safe self-medication.The dangers of acetaminophen are becoming more apparent because of our heavily medicated population and the wide variety of ways in which it can be used for treatment. Here are the important "How To's" when taking acetaminophen:

• Take the recommeded dose listed on the medication bottle
• If you consume 3 or more alcohol beverages a day limit your use of acetaminophen if you are taking the drug over several days.
• Be careful when taking with other medications because they may also contain acetaminophen. If unsure consult your healthcare provider.
• Max dosage is 4 grams or 4,000 milligrams a day.
• There are different concentrations for infants, children, and adults
• There are different forms of acetaminophen including pill, suppository, and liquid which all contain different concentration levels.
• Always use the provided tool for measuring.

Hardman , JG (January, 22 2004). safety concerns associated with over-the-counter drug products containing analgesic/antipyretic active ingredients for internal use. food and drug administration science background, 43(9), Retrieved from http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafty/informationbydrugclass/ucm165107.htm