Tylenol is the name brand of a drug called acetaminophen. It is commonly used to relieve pain and fever. According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common cause of poisoning in the world is overdosing on acetaminophen. It is important to read medication labels carefully to avoid taking too much acetaminophen. If you suspect a Tylenol overdose, call 911 or the Poison Control Center (see Resources).
Digestive Difficulty
Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are all symptoms of a possible acetaminophen overdose. According to the Mayo Clinic, other symptoms to watch for are blood in the stools or urine and a loss of appetite. These signs of overdose may not occur for 12 or more hours, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Nervous System Disturbances
The NIH states that coma or convulsions could be a sign of Tylenol overdose. According to the RxList, such nervous system involvement is rare, except in the case of a massive overdose or if the person is also taking or has overdosed on other medications that may interfere with the nervous system. Coma can also occur during an overdose if the patient is going into liver failure.
Liver Toxicity
The most serious effect from Tylenol overdose is liver toxicity and failure. This condition can range from mild and temporary to severe and fatal. RxList states that approximately 45 regular-strength Tylenol tablets taken in the span of eight hours could produce severe liver involvement. Symptoms of this, according to the Mayo Clinic, include swelling and pain in the upper right abdomen and jaundice, which is yellow eyes and skin.
Alcoholics and those who consume large amounts of alcohol are more at risk of liver complications when using acetaminophen. Another risk factor, according to RxList, is fasting for an extended period of time before taking Tylenol.
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