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Preventing Acetaminophen Poisoning

To help reduce your chances of getting acetaminophen poisoning, take the following steps:

Follow your doctor's or the package directions regarding dosing and duration of therapy when taking acetaminophen; always ask your doctor if you have questions.
Do not substitute sustained-release acetaminophen preparations for immediate-release preparations without adjusting the dosing interval.
When taking combination medications (eg, cold medications), read the label to determine if acetaminophen is an ingredient; avoid taking multiple medications at once that contain acetaminophen.
Avoid heavy alcohol intake.

RESOURCES:

American Academy of Pediatrics
http://www.aap.org

American Association of Poison Control Centers
http://www.aapcc.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

Canadian Institute for Health Information
http://www.cihi.ca/cihiweb

Children's Safety-Canadian Poison Control Centers
http://www.safekid.org/pcc.htm

References:

AAP policy on acetaminophen toxicity in children. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at: http://www.aafp.org/afp/20011201/clinical.html#3. Accessed February 14, 2007.

Acetaminophen poisoning. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.epnet.com/Detail.aspx?id=113862#charc. Accessed February 14, 2007.

Anker AL, Smilkstein MJ. Acetaminophen. Concepts and controversies. Emerg Med Clin North Am . 1994 May; 12(2): 335-49.

Vassallo S, Khan AN, Howland MA. Use of the Rumack-Matthew nomogram in cases of extended-release acetaminophen toxicity. Ann Intern Med . 1996 Dec 1;125(11):940.

Last reviewed November 2008 by Marcin Chwistek, MD

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Talk about it in the:
Acetaminophen Poisoning Support Group

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