ABSTRACT
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), concerned about the incidence of acute liver failure due to acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, has mandated new labeling on acetaminophen packaging. It is also considering (but has not enacted) reducing the maximum daily dose from 4 g (possibly to 3,250 mg), banning acetaminophen-narcotic combination products, and changing the current maximum single dose of 1 g to prescription status, making 650 mg the highest recommended nonprescription dose. We review the epidemiology, toxicology, and management of acetaminophen overdose and steps the FDA and physicians can take to prevent it.
- © 2010 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
- Amy Schilling, PharmD⇑,
- Rebecca Corey, PharmD, BCPS,
- Mandy Leonard, PharmD, BCPS, Assistant Director and
- Bijan Eghtesad, MD
- Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic
- Liver Transplantation Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic
- Drug Information Services and Formulary Management, Department of Pharmacy, Cleveland Clinic
- Hepato-pancreato-biliary and Transplant Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic
- ADDRESS:
Amy Schilling, PharmD, Department of Pharmacy, JJN1-02, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195; e-mail schilla2{at}ccf.org.
ABSTRACT
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), concerned about the incidence of acute liver failure due to acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose, has mandated new labeling on acetaminophen packaging. It is also considering (but has not enacted) reducing the maximum daily dose from 4 g (possibly to 3,250 mg), banning acetaminophen-narcotic combination products, and changing the current maximum single dose of 1 g to prescription status, making 650 mg the highest recommended nonprescription dose. We review the epidemiology, toxicology, and management of acetaminophen overdose and steps the FDA and physicians can take to prevent it.
- © 2010 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All Rights Reserved.
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