Re: (off-topic) Toxic effects of Tylenol

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 09/22/1999 3:24:24 PM Central Daylight Time,

Cmermer@... writes:

<<

Whether accidental or intentional, acetaminophen poisoning is not uncommon;

in fact, it is the most common drug-induced cause of liver failure. When

hepatic glutathione is depleted, the toxic metabolite NAPQI fails to be

conjugated and causes hepatic injury. At risk are chronic alcoholics, binge

drinkers, patients taking medications that induce the P-450 isoenzyme

system,

and those with concomitant liver disease. The four phases that make up the

clinical course of acetaminophen poisoning distinguish signs, symptoms, and

laboratory values according to severity. In diagnosing acetaminophen

toxicity, adequate history taking and serial measurements of acetaminophen

level are essential. Treatment is rooted in three goals: decreasing the

absorption of acetaminophen using activated charcoal, replacing hepatic

glutathione using acetylcysteine, and supportive care in the case of hepatic

failure. The prognosis depends on the amount ingested and the time of

presentation after ingestion.

>>

This doesn't say how much is necessary to overdose. I know that it would be

different for each person or depending on what " condition " you already

had,but considering that for a baby it is 10-15 times then it seems like it

would have to be a lot. Of course I don't know though.

Cicely

[Guest guest]

What are the symptoms of overdose of infant tylenol? (Sorry if this has

already been posted.) Thanks.

[Guest guest]

Does acetaminophen accumulate in the liver over time? -Jackie

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 99-09-22 21:14:01 EDT, you write:

<< Does acetaminophen accumulate in the liver over time? -Jackie

>>

I don't think it accumulates, as long as the liver is given enough time to

dispose of it, and as long as the liver is working properly.

Cory

[Guest guest]

While one can overdose on Tylenol, using the amount on the bottle in an age

appropriate amount is probably " relatively safe " (I'm not going to enter the

" if you should use it " debate.) There were articles in the news a year ago

or so (?) where several mothers used " child " Tylenol on their infants when

they should have been using the " infant suspension " Tylenol. These babies did

have severe reactions to the overdoses. The bottles looked very much alike.

It was my understanding that the manufacturer volunteered to redesign the

infant Tylenol to help avoid this confusion from taking place again.

I don't have any of the articles anymore, I just remember reading them. I

think that is were some of the fear of infant overdoses came from. Though it

also is my understanding that there is less leeway for dosage error in

acetaminophen than most, if not all, over the counter drugs.

Marlyn

[Guest guest]

Marlyn, I could be wrong but I believe you have remembered this wrong (backwards

actually). As I remember, mothers were giving their children children's tylenol

size doses of infant tylenol, which is much more concentrated.

Shelby

M9092@... wrote:

> From: M9092@...

>

> While one can overdose on Tylenol, using the amount on the bottle in an age

> appropriate amount is probably " relatively safe " (I'm not going to enter the

> " if you should use it " debate.) There were articles in the news a year ago

> or so (?) where several mothers used " child " Tylenol on their infants when

> they should have been using the " infant suspension " Tylenol. These babies did

> have severe reactions to the overdoses. The bottles looked very much alike.

> It was my understanding that the manufacturer volunteered to redesign the

> infant Tylenol to help avoid this confusion from taking place again.

>

> I don't have any of the articles anymore, I just remember reading them. I

> think that is were some of the fear of infant overdoses came from. Though it

> also is my understanding that there is less leeway for dosage error in

> acetaminophen than most, if not all, over the counter drugs.

>

> Marlyn

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/24/99 4:08:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

M9092@... writes:

> While one can overdose on Tylenol, using the amount on the bottle in an age

> appropriate amount is probably " relatively safe " (I'm not going to enter

> the

> " if you should use it " debate.) There were articles in the news a year

ago

> or so (?) where several mothers used " child " Tylenol on their infants when

> they should have been using the " infant suspension " Tylenol. These babies

> did

> have severe reactions to the overdoses. The bottles looked very much

alike.

>

> It was my understanding that the manufacturer volunteered to redesign the

> infant Tylenol to help avoid this confusion from taking place again.

>

> I don't have any of the articles anymore, I just remember reading them. I

> think that is were some of the fear of infant overdoses came from. Though

> it

> also is my understanding that there is less leeway for dosage error in

> acetaminophen than most, if not all, over the counter drugs.

>

> Marlyn

Actually it was the opposite. The infant tylenol is (or was) more

concentrated and therefore required a smaller dose than the childrens tylenol.

Cory

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 9/24/99 6:00:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time,

helminger@... writes:

<< Marlyn, I could be wrong but I believe you have remembered this wrong

(backwards

actually). As I remember, mothers were giving their children children's

tylenol

size doses of infant tylenol, which is much more concentrated.

Shelby >>

I knew my details were " fuzzy " . I stand corrected. Thanks for setting the

record straight.

Marlyn