What Are the Treatments for Liver Damage From Too Much Tylenol?

Tylenol is a safe over-the-counter drug when used as directed. However, taking too much Tylenol can lead to liver damage due to the high levels of acetaminophen found in the common household drug.

Considerations

• N-acetylcysteine, an antidote for acetaminophen toxicity, is the most common treatment for taking too much Tylenol. The medication can be taken orally, intravenously or via a tube inserted through the mouth, down into the stomach.

Considerations

• In emergency Tylenol overdose cases, such as suicide attempts, the patient's stomach is pumped to remove the drug. In this instance, doctors induce vomiting by sticking a tube down the throat and into the stomach.

Benefits

• Activated charcoal may also be used as it can quickly absorb poisonous substances, thus preventing the excess Tylenol from reaching the liver. Charcoal is usually administered as a precautionary measure following a stomach pumping.

Warning

• In severe cases of acetaminophen abuse, liver failure may occur. In this instance, the only solution is a liver transplant.

Prevention/Solution

• Following your treatment, your health care provider may monitor your liver damage through frequent blood tests. You may also be advised to avoid medications containing acetaminophen (including Tylenol) as well as alcohol.