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Warning-sign checks

Acetaminophen overdose: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Call emergency services for confusion, inability to stay awake, a seizure, trouble breathing, collapse, or significant bleeding.

    If there is an immediate risk of self-harm, call emergency services or a local crisis service rather than leaving the person alone.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Contact the treating clinician promptly if nausea, abdominal pain, poor appetite, or unusual tiredness returns.

    Seek urgent medical assessment for yellow skin or eyes, reduced urination, worsening vomiting, or new bruising.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Follow-up depends on the severity of the exposure.

    Some people can leave care after acetaminophen is no longer detectable, relevant laboratory results are reassuring, and the treating team determines that antidote therapy is no longer needed.

    Others require repeated blood tests or hospital monitoring until liver function is clearly improving.

    Follow-up may include counseling, crisis support, medication review, and a plan for safer medicine storage.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • is having side effects from a medicine, or is struggling to take it as prescribed

The article also says

After discharge, follow the care team’s instructions about repeat liver tests and the use of acetaminophen, alcohol, supplements, and other medicines.

Do not restart acetaminophen after an overdose unless a clinician says it is safe.

If the overdose was intentional or occurred during a period of emotional distress, a mental health and safety assessment is an important part of care.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Acetaminophen overdose. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.