Tylenol is the brand name for the pain and fever medication acetaminophen. Tylenol is a great choice for pain relief and reduction of fever, but it is also one of the most common causes of liver failure due to overdose and toxicity. In addition to the liver, large amounts of Tylenol affect the stomach and small intestine, where the tablets cause physical and chemical irritation. An overdose of Tylenol can be treated if detected at an early stage. In case of overdose, call 911 or your local poison control center.
Stomach Irritation
Taking too much Tylenol can cause a physical and chemical irritation to the lining of the stomach (gastritis) and the adjacent small intestine. In and of themselves, these are not necessarily dangerous conditions. However, if they are being caused by a large number of Tylenol tablets in the stomach, then they can be an early warning sign of impending disaster. If these signs are noted early, the individual can be given medical treatment to reduce or prevent the effects of the overdose.
Vomiting
Vomiting is the body's natural reflex to gastrointestinal irritation and to the presence of certain toxins in the blood. Vomiting is triggered locally in the stomach or small intestine in the case of irritation or infection. Vomiting is triggered centrally (from the brain) when special receptors detect certain toxins in the blood. These reflexes serve to clear the stomach of any remaining toxic material. If an individual vomits and pills come up with the stomach contents, then overdose should be considered and medical attention should be sought immediately.
Liver Damage
The liver is where many substances that are ingested are metabolized (broken down) so that they can be detoxified and excreted from the body. Some of the byproducts of the breakdown process are themselves very toxic. This is the case with Tylenol. When large amounts of Tylenol are absorbed and broken down by the liver, the liver cells are damaged in the process. If enough Tylenol has been absorbed, then the damage can be irreversible. Since the liver is a vital organ, this is a very serious condition that results in liver complications, disease and cirrhosis. Excessive Tylenol abuse will cause the user to become gravely ill and may even lead to death.
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