Acetaminophen Overdose: What Canadians Should Know

Acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) is a widely used pain and fever medication found in many over-the-counter and prescription products, including Tylenol®. Because it is so common—and included in many combination cold and flu remedies—taking too much can happen more easily than people realize.

This article is designed to support public education and prevention. It does not replace medical advice or emergency care. If an overdose is suspected, immediate medical help is essential.

Understanding Acetaminophen and Safe Use

Acetaminophen is available in formulations for infants, children, and adults. While safe when used as directed, taking more than recommended can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process the drug.

• For adults, daily intake above recommended limits can cause liver injury

• Many healthcare providers advise staying below the maximum daily amount, especially when using the medication for more than one day

• Risk increases when multiple products containing acetaminophen are taken close together

Because liver damage may not cause immediate pain, people may mistakenly take more medication when symptoms don’t improve right away.

Why Overdose Happens

Common causes include:

• Taking more than the recommended dose because pain or fever persists

• Using multiple medications that all contain acetaminophen (for example, a pain reliever plus a cold or flu product)

• Giving children incorrect doses based on age instead of weight

• Accidental ingestion by young children

Always check medication labels carefully. Acetaminophen may also be listed as “APAP” on prescription labels.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Medical care is needed even if symptoms are mild or absent, because liver injury can develop silently.

Urgent assessment is recommended if:

• A child under 5 may have received a large dose in a short period

• A child 6 years or older may have received a high total dose in one day

• Anyone may have exceeded safe dosing over 24 hours or more

If there is any uncertainty, it is safer to seek help immediately.

In Canada, you can contact Canada Poison Centres (1-844-POISON-X) for immediate guidance while emergency services are on the way.

Possible Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose may take 12 hours or longer to appear and can include:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Abdominal or stomach pain

• Loss of appetite

• Sweating or general discomfort

• Diarrhea

• Irritability or unusual behaviour

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which may indicate liver injury

The absence of symptoms does not mean the overdose is harmless.

What Treatment May Involve

If an overdose is suspected:

1. Call emergency services or poison control immediately

2. Bring the medication container if possible

3. In hospital, blood tests may be used to measure medication levels

4. Treatment may include medications that reduce liver damage

5. In some cases, additional procedures are used to limit absorption

Most people recover fully when treatment begins early. Serious outcomes are more likely when liver injury is not treated promptly.

Prevention Tips for Families and Workplaces

• Read medication labels every time, even for familiar products

• Avoid using more than one acetaminophen-containing product at once

• Use proper measuring devices for children’s medications

• Store medications securely and out of children’s reach

• Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about dosing

Education and awareness are key parts of preventing medication-related emergencies.

Educational Note

This article is intended for learning and awareness only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or emergency response. Always follow product instructions and seek professional help when medication safety is in question.