In this Article

• "Is it safe for me to take Tylenol?"
• Do the recommended doses of Tylenol cause any liver damage?
• Why should we know that the generic name of Tylenol is acetaminophen?
• Just how much acetaminophen is safe to take?
• How is acetaminophen processed (metabolized) in the body?
• How does an overdose of acetaminophen cause liver injury?
• Is overdose with acetaminophen usually accidental or intentional?
• How can accidental overdose be avoided in adults?
• How can overdose be avoided in children?
• What are the symptoms and signs of acetaminophen-induced liver damage?
• What should be done if acetaminophen toxicity is suspected?
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Liver Damage At A Glance
• Tylenol Liver Damage Glossary
• Tylenol Liver Damage Index

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.

Tylenol Liver Damage - Symptoms Experienced

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