How much Tylenol is safe to take. What are the risks of Tylenol overdose. How to prevent acetaminophen toxicity. When to seek medical help for Tylenol-related issues. What are the safe dosages for adults and children. How does Tylenol affect the liver. What are the signs of acetaminophen overdose.

The Basics of Tylenol and Acetaminophen

Tylenol, a widely used over-the-counter medication, contains acetaminophen as its active ingredient. This common drug component is found in more than 600 prescription and non-prescription medications, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Acetaminophen is utilized to treat various conditions, including:

• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Backaches
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Headaches
• Menstrual cramps
• Migraines
• Muscle aches
• Toothaches

While Tylenol is generally considered safe when used as directed, it’s crucial to understand proper dosage and potential risks associated with its use.

Safe Dosage Guidelines for Adults

Adhering to recommended dosages is essential for safe Tylenol use. For adults, the general guidelines are:

• 650 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) every 4 to 6 hours
• Maximum of 3,000 mg per day, unless directed otherwise by a healthcare professional
• No more than 10 consecutive days of use without medical supervision

Different Tylenol products have varying strengths and dosage recommendations:

• Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets (325 mg): 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, maximum 10 tablets in 24 hours
• Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets (500 mg): 2 caplets every 6 hours, maximum 6 caplets in 24 hours
• Tylenol 8 HR Arthritis Pain (Extended Release, 650 mg): 2 caplets every 8 hours, maximum 6 caplets in 24 hours

Pediatric Dosage Recommendations

Dosage for children varies based on weight and age. General guidelines include:

• Approximately 7 mg of acetaminophen per pound of body weight every 6 hours
• No more than 27 mg per pound of body weight in 24 hours
• Maximum 5 consecutive days of use without medical supervision

For children under 2 years old, always consult a doctor for the correct dosage. Specific product dosages for children include:

Infants’ and Children’s Tylenol Oral Suspension (160 mg/5 mL)

• Ages 2-3 (24-35 lbs): 5 mL every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours
• Ages 4-5 (36-47 lbs): 7.5 mL every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours
• Ages 6-8 (48-59 lbs): 10 mL every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours
• Ages 9-10 (60-71 lbs): 12.5 mL every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours
• Age 11 (72-95 lbs): 15 mL every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours

Children’s Tylenol Dissolve Packs (160 mg per packet)

• Ages 6-8 (48-59 lbs): 2 packets every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours
• Ages 9-10 (60-71 lbs): 2 packets every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours
• Age 11 (72-95 lbs): 3 packets every 4 hours, maximum 5 doses in 24 hours

Understanding Tylenol’s Effect on the Body

When taken as directed, Tylenol is metabolized in the liver and excreted through urine. It typically takes effect within 45 minutes for oral forms and up to 2 hours for suppositories. However, exceeding recommended doses can lead to dangerous consequences.

Excessive Tylenol intake alters liver metabolism, resulting in increased production of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), a toxic metabolite. NAPQI can cause irreversible liver damage, potentially leading to liver failure and, in severe cases, death.

The Dangers of Tylenol Overdose

Acetaminophen overdose is a serious concern. A 2016 literature review revealed that liver failure caused by acetaminophen overdose results in death in approximately 28% of cases. Among those experiencing liver failure, 29% require a liver transplant. Even survivors may face long-term liver damage.

Is it possible to die from a Tylenol overdose? Unfortunately, yes. Severe acetaminophen toxicity can lead to liver failure, which can be fatal if not treated promptly. This underscores the importance of adhering to recommended dosages and seeking immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

Recognizing Signs of Acetaminophen Overdose

Identifying symptoms of Tylenol overdose is crucial for timely intervention. Common signs include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant
• Excessive sweating
• Paleness or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Confusion or disorientation
• Dark urine
• Fatigue or weakness

If you suspect an acetaminophen overdose, seek emergency medical care immediately. Prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes and prevent severe liver damage.

Preventing Acetaminophen Toxicity

To minimize the risk of Tylenol-related complications, follow these precautions:

1. Always read labels carefully and follow dosage instructions
2. Be aware of other medications containing acetaminophen to avoid unintentional double-dosing
3. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary
4. Avoid alcohol consumption while taking acetaminophen
5. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you have liver disease or a history of alcohol abuse
6. Keep medications out of reach of children and use child-resistant packaging
7. Never exceed the maximum daily dose unless directed by a healthcare professional

Special Considerations for Tylenol Use

Certain factors may affect how your body processes acetaminophen, requiring additional caution:

• Liver conditions: Individuals with liver disease may need to limit acetaminophen intake or avoid it altogether
• Alcohol use: Regular alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver damage when taking Tylenol
• Medications: Some drugs can interact with acetaminophen, potentially increasing toxicity risks
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: While generally considered safe, consult a healthcare provider for specific recommendations
• Elderly individuals: May be more susceptible to side effects and may require dosage adjustments

Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about using Tylenol, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Alternatives to Tylenol for Pain Relief

For those seeking alternatives to acetaminophen, consider these options:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen
• Topical pain relievers such as creams or gels
• Non-pharmacological approaches like heat therapy, cold therapy, or gentle exercise
• Natural remedies such as turmeric or ginger (consult a healthcare provider before use)
• Physical therapy or chiropractic care for musculoskeletal pain

Remember that each pain relief method has its own benefits and potential risks. Discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate option for your specific situation.

Understanding the safe use of Tylenol and acetaminophen is crucial for effective pain management without compromising health. By adhering to recommended dosages, recognizing potential risks, and staying informed about proper usage, you can safely incorporate Tylenol into your pain relief regimen when needed. Always prioritize your health and consult medical professionals when in doubt about medication use or if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Can Tylenol Kill You? What’s a Safe Dosage?

Tylenol is an over-the-counter medication used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. It contains the active ingredient acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen is one of the most common drug ingredients. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s found in more than 600 prescription and non-prescription drugs.

Acetaminophen may be added to medications used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including the following:

• allergies
• arthritis
• backaches
• cold and flu
• headaches
• menstrual cramps
• migraines
• muscle aches
• toothache

In this article, we’ll look at what’s considered a safe dosage, the signs and symptoms that could indicate an overdose, and how to avoid taking too much.

It’s possible to overdose on acetaminophen. This can happen if you take more than the recommended dosage.

When you take a normal dose, it enters your gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed into your bloodstream. It starts to take effect in 45 minutes for most oral forms, or up to 2 hours for suppositories. Eventually, it’s broken down (metabolized) in your liver and excreted in your urine.

Taking too much Tylenol changes the way it’s metabolized in your liver, resulting in an increase in a metabolite (a by-product of metabolism) called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI).

NAPQI is toxic. In the liver, it kills cells and causes irreversible tissue damage. In severe cases, it can cause liver failure. This triggers a chain of reactions that can lead to death.

According to a 2016 literature review, liver failure caused by acetaminophen overdose causes death in approximately 28 percent of cases. Among those who have liver failure, 29 percent require a liver transplant.

Those who survive an acetaminophen overdose without needing a liver transplant may experience long-term liver damage.

Tylenol is relatively safe when you take the recommended dose.

In general, adults can take between 650 milligrams (mg) and 1,000 mg of acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours. The FDA recommends that an adult shouldn’t take more than 3,000 mg of acetaminophen per day unless directed otherwise by their healthcare professional.

Don’t take Tylenol for more than 10 days in a row unless you’ve been instructed to do so by your doctor.

The chart below contains more detailed dosage information for adults based on the type of product and the amount of acetaminophen per dose.

Product	Acetaminophen	Directions	Maximum dosage	Maximum daily acetaminophen
Tylenol Regular Strength Tablets	325 mg per tablet	Take 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours.	10 tablets in 24 hours	3,250 mg
Tylenol Extra Strength Caplets	500 mg per caplet	Take 2 caplets every 6 hours.	6 caplets in 24 hours	3,000 mg
Tylenol 8 HR Arthritis Pain (Extended Release)	650 mg per extended-release caplet	Take 2 caplets every 8 hours.	6 caplets in 24 hours	3,900 mg

For children, the dose varies according to weight. If your child is under the age of 2, ask your doctor for the correct dose.

In general, children can take around 7 mg of acetaminophen per pound of their body weight every 6 hours. Children shouldn’t take more than 27 mg of acetaminophen per pound of their weight in 24 hours.

Don’t give your child Tylenol for more than 5 days straight unless you’ve been instructed to do so by your child’s doctor.

Below, you’ll find more detailed dosage charts for children based on different products for infants and children.

Product: Infants’ and Children’s Tylenol Oral Suspension

Acetaminophen: 160 mg per 5 milliliters (mL)

Age	Weight	Directions	Maximum dosage	Maximum daily acetaminophen
under 2	under 24 lbs. (10.9 kg)	Ask a doctor.	ask a doctor	ask a doctor
2–3	24–35 lbs. (10.8–15.9 kg)	Give 5 mL every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	800 mg
4–5	36–47 lbs. (16.3–21.3 kg)	Give 7.5 mL every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1,200 mg
6–8	48–59 lbs. (21.8–26.8 kg)	Give 10 mL every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1,600 mg
9–10	60–71 lbs. (27.2–32.2 kg)	Give 12.5 mL every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,000 mg
11	72–95 lbs. (32.7–43 kg)	Give 15 mL every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,400 mg

Product: Children’s Tylenol Dissolve Packs

Acetaminophen: 160 mg per packet

Age	Weight	Directions	Maximum dosage	Maximum daily acetaminophen
under 6	under 48 lbs. (21.8 kg)	Do not use.	Do not use.	Do not use.
6–8	48–59 lbs. (21.8–26.8 kg)	Give 2 packets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1,600 mg
9–10	60–71 lbs. (27.2–32.2 kg)	Give 2 packets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1,600 mg
11	72–95 lbs. (32.7–43 kg)	Give 3 packets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,400 mg

Product: Children’s Tylenol Chewables

Acetaminophen: 160 mg per chewable tablet

Age	Weight	Directions	Maximum dosage	Maximum daily acetaminophen
2–3	24–35 lbs. (10.8–15.9 kg)	Give 1 tablet every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	800 mg
4–5	36–47 lbs. (16.3–21.3 kg)	Give 1.5 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1,200 mg
6–8	48–59 lbs. (21.8–26.8 kg)	Give 2 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1,600 mg
9–10	60–71 lbs. (27.2–32.2 kg)	Give 2.5 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,000 mg
11	72–95 lbs. (32.7–43 kg)	Give 3 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,400 mg

The signs and symptoms of a Tylenol overdose include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• high blood pressure

Call 911 or poison control (800-222-1222) right away if you suspect you, your child, or someone you know took too much Tylenol.

It’s critical to seek medical assistance as soon as possible. Early treatment is associated with lower mortality rates in both children and adults.

Treatment for a Tylenol or acetaminophen overdose depends on how much was taken and how much time has passed.

If less than an hour has passed since the Tylenol was ingested, activated charcoal may be used to absorb the remaining acetaminophen from the gastrointestinal tract.

When liver damage is likely, a drug calledN-acetyl cysteine (NAC) may be given orally or intravenously. NAC prevents liver damage caused by the metabolite NAPQI.

Keep in mind, though, that NAC can’t reverse liver damage that has already occurred.

When used as directed, Tylenol is safe for most people. However, you should speak to your healthcare provider before using Tylenol if you have any of the following conditions:

• liver disease or liver failure
• alcohol use disorder
• hepatitis C
• kidney disease
• malnutrition

Tylenol may pose some risks to people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Be sure to speak to your healthcare provider before taking a Tylenol product.

Tylenol can interact with other medications. It’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Tylenol if you’re also taking any of the following medications:

• anticonvulsant medications, particularly carbamazepine and phenytoin
• blood thinners, particularly warfarin and acenocoumarol
• cancer drugs, particularly imatinib (Gleevec) and pixantrone
• other drugs that contain acetaminophen
• the antiretroviral drug zidovudine
• the diabetes drug lixisenatide
• the tuberculosis antibiotic isoniazid

Overuse of acetaminophen probably happens more often than you think. This is due to acetaminophen being a common ingredient in many types of over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Acetaminophen overdoses are responsible for approximately 56,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States. Around 50 percent of acetaminophen overdoses are unintentional.

Here are some ways to ensure that you’re taking a safe level of acetaminophen:

• Check product labels. Tylenol is one of many drugs that contain acetaminophen. Carefully check the labels of any drugs you’re taking. Acetaminophen will usually be listed under “active ingredients.” It may be written as APAP or acetam.
• Don’t take more than one product at a time that contains acetaminophen. Taking Tylenol together with other medications, like cold, flu, allergy, or menstrual cramp products, may result in a higher intake of acetaminophen than you realize.
• Be careful when giving Tylenol to children. You shouldn’t give Tylenol to children unless it’s necessary for pain or fever. Don’t give Tylenol with any other products that contain acetaminophen.
• Carefully follow the dosing instructions indicated on the label. Don’t take more than the recommended dose. For children, weight is the most effective way to determine how much to give. If you’re not sure, ask a pharmacist for help figuring out the dose.
• If the maximum dose doesn’t feel like it’s working, don’t take more. Talk to your doctor instead. Your doctor will evaluate whether another drug can help with your symptoms.

If you suspect someone is at risk of using Tylenol to harm themselves or has used Tylenol to harm themselves:

• Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. Remain with them until help arrives.
• Remove any additional medication.
• Listen without judging or admonishing them.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, reach out to the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 for help and support.

Tylenol is safe when it’s used according to the directions on the label. Taking too much Tylenol can cause permanent liver damage, liver failure, and, in some cases, death.

Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many types of over-the-counter and prescription drugs. It’s important to read drug labels carefully as you don’t want to take more than one drug containing acetaminophen at a time.

If you’re not sure if Tylenol is right for you or what’s considered a safe dose for you or your child, reach out to a healthcare professional or pharmacist for advice.

Acetaminophen safety: Be cautious but not afraid

Cold, cough, and flu season is a good time to revisit the risks of acetaminophen—the pain and fever reliever in Tylenol and many other over-the-counter medications. Billions of doses of acetaminophen are consumed safely every year, but deaths still occur from accidental overdoses and thousands of people end up in the emergency room. More than 600 products contain acetaminophen, and inadvertently combining them can nudge you into the red zone.

“People don’t realize that these doses all add up, and before you know it you’ve exceeded the recommended dose of acetaminophen,” says Dr. Melisa Lai Becker, instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and a specialist in emergency medicine and toxicology at Harvard-affiliated Cambridge Health Alliance.

Acetaminophen safe dosage basics

Acetaminophen controls pain and fever but does not reduce inflammation, as does aspirin and the other widely consumed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, generics) and naproxen (Aleve, generics). But unlike NSAIDs, acetaminophen does not irritate the stomach and intestinal lining. That means a person who cannot tolerate NSAIDs can still take acetaminophen. It’s an important drug for controlling chronic pain in older adults.

The hitch is that acetaminophen also has a narrower window of safety compared with ibuprofen and naproxen. NSAIDs can make you sick, too, but it takes a larger amount to reach a dangerous overdose. Taking too much acetaminophen can damage the liver, sometimes leading to a liver transplant or death.

The body breaks down most of the acetaminophen in a normal dose and eliminates it in the urine. But some of the drug is converted into a byproduct that is toxic to the liver. If you take too much—all at once or over a period of days—more toxin can build up than the body can handle.

For the average healthy adult, the generally recommended maximum daily dose is no more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) from all sources. But in some people, doses close to the 4,000 mg daily limit for adults could still be toxic to the liver. It’s safest to take only what you need, and to not exceed 3,000 mg a day whenever possible, especially if you use acetaminophen often.

How to stay within limits

If you ever have concerns about how much acetaminophen you can tolerate based on your age, body size, and health status, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Here are some general precautions for avoiding an accidental overdose of acetaminophen.

• Cold and flu remedies count. When you reach for an over-the-counter cough, cold, or flu product, take a look at the label. Does it contain acetaminophen?
• Know the milligrams in your pills.  In acetaminophen products available over the counter, each pill may contain 325, 500, or 650 milligrams of the drug. Be extra cautious when taking 500 or 650 milligram pills.
• Stick to recommended doses. When taking acetaminophen, don’t be tempted to add a little extra to the recommended dose. A small-bodied person should stay on the low end of the recommended dose range (3,000 mg).
• Easy on the alcohol. Drinking alcohol causes the liver to convert more of the acetaminophen you take into toxic byproducts. Men should not have more than two standard drinks per day when taking acetaminophen (one drink per day for women).
• Know if your medications interact. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your prescription medications could interact badly with acetaminophen.

How much should you worry?

Tens of thousands of people become ill every year from taking too much acetaminophen. In a smaller number of cases—several hundred per year—it leads to death. But it need not happen to you. “Read the labels and stick to the guidelines,” Dr. Lai Becker advises.

The maximum daily dose for a healthy adult who weighs at least 150 pounds is 4,000 milligrams (mg). However, in some people, taking the maximum daily dose for extended periods can seriously damage the liver. It’s best to take the lowest dose necessary and stay closer to 3,000 mg per day as your maximum dose. If you need to take high doses of acetaminophen for chronic pain, check with your doctor first.

For therapy options beyond the standard approaches to managing pain, buy the Harvard Special Health Report  Pain Relief: Natural and alternative remedies without drugs or surgery.

Image: AntonioGuillem/Getty Images

Pro Tylenol (acetaminophen) – alexey5351 — LiveJournal

?

Pro Tylenol (acetaminophen) [Sep. 22nd, 2013| 10:30 am ] alexey5351 A rather detailed, high-quality and unexpected for me journalistic investigation of one of the most popular medicines in the USA – both for pains of various kinds, as well as for colds and other symptoms. http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/505/use-only-as-directed Briefly, the gist is as follows. If you are taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) without exceeding the recommended daily dose, then there is nothing to worry about. But. This drug has a very insignificant difference between the therapeutic dose and the toxic one (safety margin). Doubling the daily dose from 4 to 8 grams can lead to death if taken in this mode for several days. Increasing the dose of just a gram – that’s two extra extra strength tablets translates into serious liver damage. Approximately one hundred and fifty people a year die in the US from an unintentional overdose of acetaminophen. The problem is that this drug is advertised as one of the safest and most effective drugs in its class. There is a bit of logic in this – because alternative drugs – ibuprofen, analgin, etc. – have more side effects at a normal dose. But at the same time, there is not a single recorded case of death from an overdose of ibuprofen. For these drugs, the increase in dose to toxic occurs from 8 times to 20 times the daily dose. Tylenol has only twice. The federal service that regulates the safety of drugs on the market – the FDA – is familiar with these statistics, but does not respond quickly enough to them. If you have taken this drug before, do not worry and regret. You are alive and the liver is as it is. In any case, it is important to consult a doctor, read the description of the medicine carefully and in no case exceed the maximum daily dose. It is hoped that the drug company will put a notice on the packaging about the serious danger of overdose. With such a low difference between the toxic dose and the therapeutic dose, this drug can hardly be called the safest. Details: http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/505/use-only-as-directed http://www.propublica.org/article/tylenol-mcneil-fda-use-only-as-directed 8 Comments: From: yelenay 2013- 09-22 02:59 pm (UTC) Do you know how close paracetamol and acetaminophen are? Does paracetamol also have a difference between the usual dose and the dangerous one? 9From: alexey5351 2013-09-22 03:35 pm (UTC) apparently the same http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paracetamol My wife told me about it. I didn’t hear it until NPR said it 🙂 62 Ibuprofen can also be dangerous, in 2011 our girl drank it for five days after a tooth extraction, but she turned out to be acetaminophen in intensive care with a failed liver and was the first in line for a liver transplant. True, at the last moment the liver began to recover and they did without transplantation. A healthy 27-year-old girl with no medical history. 9From: alexey5351 2013-09-22 04:38 pm (UTC)

Anything can be dangerous, including water. You can die if you drink more water than your body can take. I would not like to interfere with everything in one, and generalize a particular case to the whole phenomenon. There are specific mortality statistics about acetaminophen, which were collected for 10 years in a country with a population of 300 million, there is a specific criterion (safety margin) and specifically for this criterion, ibuprofen is better. But there is no panacea, any medicine has a main effect and a side effect, you need to use them consciously – this does not mean that medicines are bad and dangerous. I wouldn’t want to feed a drug phobia, because it’s as much of a distortion as taking too many drugs. The question is all in measure.

Individual cases should be treated very carefully and consider all factors, not to generalize, if possible, one case to the whole phenomenon.

Doubling the daily dose from 4 to 8 grams is only two extra strength tablets
—————————————- ——
Extra strength Tylenol tablet – 500mg.
Two such tablets – 1000mg, 1g.
4+1=5, not 8.
You need to take 8 extra pills to go from 4mg to 8mg. From: alexey5351
2013-09-23 03:05 am (UTC)

You are absolutely right, there is a typo in the text, I corrected it. The article points out two facts – 5 grams is a dose that causes serious damage to the liver. Those are two extra extra strength pills.

http://www.propublica.org/article/tylenol-mcneil-fda-use-only-as-directed

as little as 25 percent above the maximum daily dose – or just two additional extra strength pills a day – has been reported to cause liver damage, according to the agency.
(FDA)
8 grams – the dose at which there were deaths.
I corrected the typo.

And with the lesson of arithmetic, you come in again, come in. Maybe teach me how to breathe or some other important things.

Is it dangerous to take too much Tylenol? – Drink-Drink

07/11/2022 DrinkDrinkAdmin

Contents

• Is it possible to overdose Tylenol?
• What is the safe dosage? Product: Tylenol oral suspension for infants and children What are the signs and symptoms of a Tylenol overdose?
• How is an overdose treated?
• Who should not take Tylenol?
• Overdose Prevention
• Bottom line

Tylenol is an over-the-counter drug used to treat mild to moderate pain and fever. It contains the active ingredient acetaminophen.

Acetaminophen is one of the most common drug ingredients. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is found in more than 600 prescription and over-the-counter products.

Acetaminophen can be added to medicines used to treat a wide variety of conditions, including:

• allergies
• arthritis
• back pain
• colds and flu
• headaches
• menstrual cramps
• migraines
• muscle pain
• toothache

In this article, we will look at what is considered a safe dosage, signs and symptoms that may indicate an overdose, and how not to take too much.

Is it possible to overdose Tylenol?

Possible overdose of acetaminophen. This can happen if you take more than the recommended dose.

When you take the usual dose, it enters the gastrointestinal tract and is absorbed into the blood. It starts working in 45 minutes for most oral forms or up to 2 hours for suppositories. Eventually, it is broken down (metabolized) in the liver and excreted in the urine.

Taking too much Tylenol changes the way it is metabolized in the liver, resulting in an increase in a metabolite (metabolic by-product) called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI).

NAPQI is toxic. In the liver, it kills cells and causes irreversible tissue damage. In severe cases, this can lead to liver failure. This sets off a chain of reactions that can lead to death.

According to a 2016 literature review, liver failure caused by acetaminophen overdose results in death in about 28 percent of cases. Among those with liver failure, 29% are in need of a liver transplant.

Those who survive an acetaminophen overdose without a liver transplant may experience long-term liver damage.

What is the safe dosage?

Tylenol is relatively safe when you take the recommended dose.

Generally, adults can take 650 milligrams (mg) to 1,000 mg of acetaminophen every 4 to 6 hours. The FDA recommends that an adult not take more than 3,000 mg of acetaminophen per day unless directed otherwise by a physician.

Do not take Tylenol for more than 10 days in a row unless directed by a doctor.

The table below provides more detailed adult dosage information based on product type and amount of acetaminophen per dose.

For children, the dose varies according to weight. If your child is under 2 years of age, ask your doctor for the correct dose.

Typically, children can take about 7 mg of acetaminophen per pound of body weight every 6 hours. Children should not take more than 27 mg of acetaminophen per pound of their body weight in a 24 hour period.

Do not give your child Tylenol for more than 5 consecutive days unless you have been instructed to do so by your child’s doctor.

Below you will find more detailed pediatric dosage charts based on various infant and child products.

Product: Tylenol oral suspension for infants and children

Acetaminophen: 160 mg per 5 milliliters (ml)

Age	90 056 Weight	Method of preparation	Maximum dosage	Maximum daily dose of acetaminophen
at 2	less than 24 lbs. (10.9 kg)	Ask a doctor.	ask the doctor	ask a doctor
2-3	24-35 lbs. (10.8–15.9 kg)	Give 5 ml every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	800 mg
4-5	36-47 lbs. (16.3–21.3 kg)	Give 7.5 ml every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1.200 mg
6-8	48-59 lbs (21.8–26.8 kg)	Give 10 ml every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1,600 mg
9-10	60-71 lbs. (27.2–32.2 kg)	Give 12.5 ml every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,000 mg
11	72-95 lbs. (32.7–43 kg)	Give 15 ml every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,400mg

Item: Tylenol Baby Dissolve Packets

Acetaminophen: 160 mg per pack

Age	Weight	Method of preparation	Maximum dosage 9 0008	Maximum daily dose of acetaminophen
at 6	less than 48 pounds. (21.8 kg)	Do not use.	Do not use.	Do not use.
6-8	48-59 lbs. (21.8–26.8 kg)	Give 2 sachets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1.600 mg
9-10	60-71 lbs. (27.2–32.2 kg)	Give 2 sachets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1.600 mg
11	72-95 lbs. (32.7–43 kg)	Give 3 sachets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,400 mg

Item: Tylenol Children’s Chewable Tablets

Acetaminophen: 160 mg per chewable tablet

Age	Weight	Method of preparation 9005 7	Max	Max Daily Acetaminophen
2-3	24-35 lbs. (10.8–15.9 kg)	Give 1 tablet every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	800 mg
4-5	36-47 lbs. (16.3–21.3 kg)	Give 1.5 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1.200 mg
6-8	48-59 lbs (21.8–26.8 kg)	Give 2 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	1.600 mg
9-10	60-71 lbs (27.2–32.2 kg)	Give 2.5 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,000 mg
11	72-95 lbs. (32.7-43 kg)	Give 3 tablets every 4 hours.	5 doses in 24 hours	2,400 mg

What are the signs and symptoms of a Tylenol overdose?

Signs and symptoms of a Tylenol overdose include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• loss of appetite
• upper right abdominal pain
• high blood pressure

Call 911 or a poison control center (800-222-1222) immediately if you suspect that you, your child, or someone you know has taken too much Tylenol.

It is very important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early treatment is associated with low mortality in both children and adults.

How is an overdose treated?

Tylenol or acetaminophen overdose treatment depends on how much time has been taken and how much time has passed.

If less than an hour has passed since taking Tylenol, activated charcoal can be used to absorb any remaining acetaminophen from the gastrointestinal tract.

If liver damage is likely, a drug called N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC) can be given orally or intravenously. NAC prevents liver damage caused by the NAPQI metabolite.

Be aware, however, that NAC cannot reverse liver damage that has already occurred.

Who should not take Tylenol?

When used as directed, Tylenol is safe for most people. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before using Tylenol if you have any of the following conditions:

• liver disease or liver failure
• alcohol use disorder
• hepatitis C
• kidney disease
• malnutrition

Tylenol may present some risk to pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider before taking a Tylenol product.

Tylenol may interact with other medicines. It is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Tylenol if you are also taking any of the following medicines:

• anti-seizure drugs, especially carbamazepine and phenytoin
• blood thinners, especially warfarin and acenocoumarol
• anti-cancer drugs, especially imatinib ec) and pixantrone
• other drugs containing acetaminophen
• antiretroviral drug zidovudine
• lixisenatide, a diabetes medicine
• anti-tuberculosis antibiotic isoniazid

Overdose prevention

Acetaminophen abuse is probably more common than you think. This is because acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

Acetaminophen overdose causes approximately 56,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States. About 50 percent of acetaminophen overdose cases are unintentional.

Here are a few ways to make sure you’re taking acetaminophen at safe levels:

• Check food labels. Tylenol is one of many products containing acetaminophen. Check the labels of any medications you take carefully. Acetaminophen is usually listed under “active ingredients”. It can be written as APAR or Acetam.
• Do not take more than one product containing acetaminophen at the same time. Taking Tylenol along with other medications such as colds, flu, allergies, or menstrual cramps may result in higher acetaminophen intake than you might think.
• Be careful when giving Tylenol to children. You should not give Tylenol to children unless it is needed for pain or fever. Do not give Tylenol with other products containing acetaminophen.
• Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the label. Do not exceed the recommended dose. For children, weight is the most effective way to determine how much to give.