Causes of acetaminophen overdose

In adults

The overwhelming majority of the time, acetaminophen is taken safely and according to the directions. Some common reasons that people may accidentally take more than the recommended daily dose of acetaminophen include:

• taking the next dose too soon
• using multiple medicines that contain acetaminophen at the same time
• taking too much at one time

People can also take several drugs that contain acetaminophen without even knowing it. For example, you may take a daily prescription medicine that contains acetaminophen. If you get sick, you may reach for an OTC cold medicine. However, many cold medications also have acetaminophen. Taking both drugs in the same day may lead to unintentionally taking more than the maximum daily dose. Poison Control recommends that you tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and OTC medicines that you’re taking to make sure that you aren’t taking too much acetaminophen. For a list of common medicines that contain acetaminophen, visit KnowYourDose.org.

You should talk to a healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen if you have three or more alcoholic drinks every day. Together, acetaminophen and alcohol increase the chance of overdose and liver damage.

In children

Children may also unintentionally take more acetaminophen than recommended by taking too much at once or taking more than one product with acetaminophen.

Other factors can also increase the chance of overdose in children. For example, a parent may give their child a dose of acetaminophen without realizing that the babysitter recently did the same. Plus, it’s possible to measure the liquid form of acetaminophen incorrectly and give too large of a dose. Children may also mistake acetaminophen for candy or juice and accidentally ingest it.

In children

Don’t give your child medication that contains acetaminophen unless it’s necessary for their pain or fever.

Ask your child’s healthcare provider how much acetaminophen you should use, especially if your child is younger than 2 years old.

Use your child’s weight to guide how much you give. Dosage based on their weight is more accurate than dosage based on their age. Measure liquid acetaminophen using the dosing device that comes with the medicine. Never use a regular teaspoon. Regular spoons vary in size and won’t give an accurate dose.

For adults

Always read and follow the label. Never take more medicine than the label says. Doing so is an overdose and can lead to liver damage. If you have pain that isn’t relieved by the maximum dose, do not take more acetaminophen. Instead, talk to your healthcare provider. You may need a different medicine or treatment. Acetaminophen is only for mild to moderate pain.

Know if your medications contain acetaminophen. Check the active ingredients listed on the labels of all your medications. On over-the-counter drug labels, the word “acetaminophen” is written on the front of the package or bottle. It’s also highlighted or bolded in the active ingredient section of the Drug Facts label.

Take only one medication at a time that contains acetaminophen. Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and OTC drugs that you’re taking to make sure you aren’t taking too much acetaminophen. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have questions about dosing instructions or medicines that contain acetaminophen.

Also, talk to your healthcare provider before taking acetaminophen if you:

• drink three or more alcoholic drinks per day
• have liver disease
• take warfarin

You may be at greater risk of liver damage.