Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol®) is a safe, effective pain reliever and fever reducer for children and adolescents. But giving your child more than the recommended dose can lead to acetaminophen toxicity, which can cause liver damage and even death if untreated. Among the signs of acetaminophen toxicity are nausea, vomiting, breathing problems, and abdominal pain. These need immediate medical attention.
Acetaminophen (brand name Tylenol®) is a common over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever and fever reducer for both children and adults. With the right dose, acetaminophen is very safe. Children are often prescribed acetaminophen for pain and fever reduction rather than aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.
But if a person of any age takes more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen the result can be acetaminophen toxicity. This is a dangerous situation. The liver can’t process excessive doses of the medication. If a child takes too much acetaminophen (or takes the recommended amount for too long) toxins can build up in their body. This toxicity can cause vomiting, liver damage and death. It’s important to deal with the situation quickly.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Every child’s dosage may be different. Among other factors, your child’s dosage depends on
You and your healthcare provider will determine the right dose for your child.
Remember that any other prescription and OTC medications (such as cold medicines) also contain acetaminophen. Be sure to read the label of cold, sinus and other OTC medicines carefully to see how much acetaminophen (if any) it contains.
Always note your child’s dosage when you give them acetaminophen.
Acetaminophen overdoses and toxicity are common. Anyone can have an adverse reaction to an overdose of acetaminophen. Every year in the United States, about 50,000 emergency room visits are due to Tylenol overdose or acetaminophen toxicity. Acetaminophen poisoning is a common cause of liver damage (hepatotoxicity).
Certain groups of people are more vulnerable to liver damage than others. Children and adolescents who already have liver disease or hepatitis A, B, or C are more likely to have severe symptoms after taking too much acetaminophen. Their livers struggle to process the medication, which can lead to liver failure.
The liver acts as a filter for the body. It processes drugs and detoxifies substances in your system. Your child’s liver can stop working if it processes (metabolizes) too much of a medicine or has to metabolize it for too long. Acetaminophen toxicity occurs when your child:
Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose don’t appear right away. There may be no symptoms at all for up to 24 hours following an overdose. It’s important to note the time your child takes their acetaminophen, and in what form (liquid, tablet, capsule, time-release capsule/tablet) it was taken.
Some symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity are:
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child and you suspect an acetaminophen overdose, call an emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison control center, which can be reached through the national toll-free poison help hotline (1-800-222-1222).
Your provider will examine your child and ask you about recent medications as far as how much was ingested, the approximate time it was taken, and the type of formulation (liquid, tablet, time-release capsule/tablet). To confirm a diagnosis of an acetaminophen overdose, blood tests are taken. These blood tests check:
If your child has symptoms of an acetaminophen overdose after taking the medication, or you suspect an accidental overdose, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Call local emergency (911) or your local poison control center, which can be reached through the national toll-free poison help hotline (1-800-222-1222).
Treatment depends on when your child took the unsafe dose of acetaminophen. Based on when the overdose occurred, treatment may include:
An acetaminophen overdose is a life-threatening emergency. If it isn’t treated soon after the overdose, it can lead to:
If you believe your child has taken more than the recommended dose of acetaminophen, call 911 or your local poison control center, which can be reached through the national toll-free poison help hotline (1-800-222-1222). Get treatment as soon as possible after your child took the medication.
To prevent an acetaminophen overdose, follow dosage instructions carefully. Talk to your child’s provider about the right dose based on your child’s weight and age. Don’t give more than one product that contains acetaminophen at the same time.
Other ways to prevent acetaminophen toxicity include:
The prognosis depends on how much acetaminophen the child took and how soon treatment started after the overdose. Children who receive fast treatment after acetaminophen poisoning have a much higher chance of recovering without long-term health problems, such as liver damage.
Acetaminophen toxicity is a life-threatening emergency. If you believe your child has taken an unsafe dose of acetaminophen, you should call 911, go to the emergency room or immediately call a poison control center. If you don’t know the number, it can be reached through the national toll-free poison help hotline (1-800-222-1222).
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 04/13/2020.
Learn more about our editorial process.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy