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What Are The Side Effects Of Acetaminophen Overdose?

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Posted on Sat, 12 Jul 2014
Question: I asked a question a little while ago but I had the amounts wrong so I am gonna re-ask the question. I took 3575mg of acetaminophen last night over 6 hours and just took 2600mg of acetaminophen about an hour ago so over the past 18hours I have taken 6175mg of acetaminophen, this was not intentional it was a miss communication between me and my doctor. I am trying to remain calm but am a little worried about overdose and I am not close to a hospital so I am reaching out trying to see if I am gonna be okay or if I am in real danger. I am 29 years old, 5` 10" 255lbs I never drink or smoke.

Thank you so much
Very worried in XXXX
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Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
See below!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about this miscommunication that led to you taking higher doses of paracetamol. I understand how worried you are about this and of course it is normal to get this worried.

6g of paracetamol is of course concerning. However, there is no guarantee that you would develop complications as a result of this. The antidote for this intoxication is N acetylcysteine, if you could lay hands on it, I would have advised that you take it though it is out of the 8 hours that is known to be most effective.

In all, there are reasons for possible liver damage that you should be afraid of but, nothing guarantees the fact that you would for sure develop any related complications to this. There are persons who take even higher doses than you and develop no complications while others take smaller doses and develop related complications. Be calm and report all abnormal symptoms especially abdominal pain promptly for further evaluation and action.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information if need be.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Chobufo Ditah

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 6323 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Acetaminophen Overdose?

Brief Answer: See below! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about this miscommunication that led to you taking higher doses of paracetamol. I understand how worried you are about this and of course it is normal to get this worried. 6g of paracetamol is of course concerning. However, there is no guarantee that you would develop complications as a result of this. The antidote for this intoxication is N acetylcysteine, if you could lay hands on it, I would have advised that you take it though it is out of the 8 hours that is known to be most effective. In all, there are reasons for possible liver damage that you should be afraid of but, nothing guarantees the fact that you would for sure develop any related complications to this. There are persons who take even higher doses than you and develop no complications while others take smaller doses and develop related complications. Be calm and report all abnormal symptoms especially abdominal pain promptly for further evaluation and action. I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information if need be.