acetaminophen poisoning, a toxic reaction to the ingestion of excessive doses of acetaminophen. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications contain acetaminophen. Individuals may ingest an overdose accidentally when taking multiple products containing acetaminophen. Dosages exceeding 140 mg/kg can produce liver failure, and larger doses can be fatal. Large amounts of acetaminophen metabolites can overwhelm the glutathione-detoxifying mechanism of the liver, resulting in progressive necrosis of the liver within 5 days. The onset of symptoms may be marked by nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating, pallor, and oliguria. The incidence of nausea and vomiting increases, accompanied by jaundice and pain in the upper abdomen, hypoglycemia, encephalopathy, and kidney failure. Treatment requires inducing vomiting or performing gastric lavage, depending on the length of time since the ingestion. Acetylcysteine may prevent extensive liver damage if given via nasogastric tube soon after ingestion.
