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- http://www.tylenolprofessional.com/tylenolprofessional/safety–safety-by-system.html
Acetaminophen overdose can cause liver damage. This damage occurs in a
dose-related manner, which means, the higher the dose, the worse the
damage. Acetaminophen overdose is the leading cause of acute liver
failure in the U.S. If the drug taken in the appropriate quantity, no damage
occurs; however, it is when the dosage exceeds 4 grams or 8 extra strength
pills that the damage is likely.
How does the damage occur?
Liver damage occurs when one of the pathways in the liver is weighed
down by too much acetaminophen metabolite, which is called NAPQI. As a
result, the toxic compounds build up and cause damage. This buildup
causes the Cytochrome P-450 system in the liver to become overactive.
And once again, this increases the formation of NAPQI. The extra NAPQI
cant be detoxified and this in turn causes the liver to be damaged.
Accidental or intentional?
The cause for one third of the overdoses of acetaminophen is intentional,
and the other two thirds is accidental. Usually people are not aware
that a drug like this can cause serious effects and end up taking a much
higher dose or more doses within a 24 hour period.
How does the damage occur?
The overdose damages the liver in three stages. During the first stage,
the S&S might be nausea and vomiting. During the second stage, which is
called the latent stage, the patient may feel perfectly fine. However,
during the third stage, when liver lab tests are performed, liver
function is noted to deteriorate.
What should you do if toxicity is suspected?
If acetaminophen toxicity is suspected, one should contact a doctor and
take all the bottles of medications so the doctor can evaluate the
severity of the injury. At this point, the doctor may pump the stomach
to remove the leftovers of the pill so the injury cannot be worsened.
Tylenol is thought to be an acceptable painkiller if it is used in the
dose that is safe. However, according to Lauran Neergaard of the
Associated Press Medical Writer, “Consumers often swallow a few extra
pills in hopes of faster pain relief, falsely thinking that
over-the-counter medications are safe enough to push the dose.” This
kind of thinking is detrimental because Tylenol is not safe when used at
this high of a dose or this frequently.
