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February 10, 2012

Tylenol Liver Damage (cont.)

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Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Liver Damage At A Glance

  • Acetaminophen is a very safe drug when taken as directed, even for people with liver disease. Nevertheless, every drug carries risks.
  • Liver damage from acetaminophen, which can be severe, can result either from an overdose or from regular doses that are taken while drinking alcohol.
  • Most cases of acetaminophen-induced liver injury are caused by an intentional or suicidal overdose.
  • Unintentional or accidental overdose of acetaminophen can usually be avoided with care and attention to the dosing.
  • Physicians can estimate a patient's probability of developing liver injury based on the timing of the overdose and the blood level of the drug.
  • In patients with acetaminophen liver damage, the usual clinical sequence is nausea and vomiting for the first 12-24 hours, then the patient seems well for the next 12-24 hours, after which abnormal liver blood tests develop.
  • An antidote, N-acetyl cysteine, is available and should be given to the patient as soon as possible, preferably within 16 hours after the acetaminophen was taken.

Previous Medical Author and Editor: Medical Author: Tse-Ling Fong, M.D.
Medical Editor: Leslie J. Schoenfield, M.D., Ph.D.


Last Editorial Review: 8/27/2007


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