Acetaminophen overdose resident survival guide
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: ; Chetan Lokhande, M.B.B.S [2]
Definition
Acetaaminophen is widely used as a pain medication in the U.S . An overdose normally occurs when somebody ingests it accidentally or intentionally above the normal recommended dose . It one of the most common poisoning in the U.S and worldwide . The main reason of this being that is is easily available and people think that it is a very safe medication . It is available in the U.S market under the following brand names .
- Tylenol
- Anacin-3
- Liquiprin
- Percocet
- Tempra
- Cold and flu medicines.
Common dosage forms and strengths
Suppository: 120 mg, 125 mg, 325 mg, 650 mg Chewable tablets: 80 mg Regular strength: 325 mg Extra strength: 500 mg Liquid: 160 mg/teaspoon Drops: 100 mg / mL, 120 mg / 2.5 mL
mg = milligrams
Maximum advisable dosage is 4000 mg of acetaminophen a day. A severe overdose can happen if taken more than 7000 mg / day .