About this topic
Acetaminophen is often found in pain reliever drugs. Sometimes, people take too much of this drug. This might be because their pain is not better or their fever did not improve right away. Other times, they take too much because they take many drugs that all have acetaminophen in them. Some people take too much of this drug on purpose. Children may accidentally take or be given too much as well. It is important to get care right away. This can help avoid very bad problems. ‚
What care is needed at home?
Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may need more tests to check your liver function. ‚
If you have taken this drug on purpose to harm yourself, you may need to see a mental doctor to talk about your personal issues. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take your drugs as ordered by your doctor. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
Physical activity will not be limited if the health problem is treated right away and there is no damage to the liver. ‚
What problems could happen?
If a large amount of drug was taken, liver problems may happen. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Follow your doctors orders when taking your drugs.
- Be careful mixing drugs. Always read the label to see if acetaminophen is part of the drug. Do not take more than one drug with this in it.
- Do not take this drug when you drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). Drinking too much alcohol may raise your chances of liver disease.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Fever
- Belly pain
- Upset stomach or throwing up
Helpful tips
- Keep all drugs out of the reach of children.
- Be sure you are giving the right dose of this drug to a child.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how I will take extra care to prevent this from happening in the future.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, belly pain, or upset stomach.
Where can I learn more?
Acetaminophen Awareness Coalition ‚
http://www.knowyourdose.org/about-ingredient ‚
US Food and Drug Administration ‚
http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm168830.htm ‚
World Health Organization ‚
http://www.who.int/gho/phe/chemical_safety/poisons_centres/en/index.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚