Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
You came to the ED for acetaminophen poisoning. This is when a person takes too much of a medicine called acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol). It is called "paracetamol" outside of the US. This medicine is used to relieve pain.
Acetaminophen poisoning can happen when a person takes more than 1 medicine with acetaminophen in it. Or it can happen when a person takes too much of the medicine by accident or on purpose.
Taking too much acetaminophen can cause serious, long-lasting problems. It can even lead to death. But the doctors think you do not need any more treatment for your acetaminophen poisoning.
How do I care for myself at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your regular doctor and tell them you were in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to. You might need more lab tests.
●Do not take any more acetaminophen until your doctor tells you it is OK.
●Always follow the directions on medicine labels carefully. Do not take more than the label says.
●Only take 1 medicine with acetaminophen in it at a time. Check the labels to make sure you know what is in your medicines.
●Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
●When giving acetaminophen to a child, follow the instructions on the label. Use the dosing cup or syringe that came with the bottle. Always check the strength of the medicine to be sure you give the correct dose. If you are not sure how much to give, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor.
●If you have liver problems, talk with your doctor taking anything with acetaminophen in it.
When should I get emergency help?
●Call for emergency help right away (in the US and Canada, call 9-1-1) if:
•You think you might harm yourself or someone else. In the US, you can contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:
-To speak to someone, call or text 988.
-To talk to someone online, go to chat.988lifeline.org.
●Return to the ED if:
•You have mild shortness of breath.
•You feel weak.
•You feel like your heart is beating very fast or slow.
•You have very dark urine, or do not urinate for longer than 8 hours.
•You have belly pain.
•You start vomiting in the next 2 days.
•Your skin or eyes look yellow.
•You get confused.
•You start bruising or bleeding more easily.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if you have:
●Nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting after 2 days
●New or worsening symptoms
Patient education: Acetaminophen poisoning (The Basics)
Patient education: Acetaminophen dosing in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Why taking your medicine as prescribed is important (The Basics)
