Acetaminophen Toxicity: What Pharmacists Need to Know
Acetaminophen Toxicity: What Pharmacists Need to Know
Acetaminophen toxicity is one of the most common causes of both intentional and unintentional poisoning in the United States. It has become the most common cause of acute liver failure and the second most prevalent cause of liver failure requiring transplantation. Acetaminophen is often recommended by doctors and highly utilized by patients in both prescription and OTC products for a variety of conditions. The FDA has long been updating its recommendations regarding acetaminophen use to help improve patient safety. This article reviews the etiology, signs, and symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity and the role of the pharmacist in the prevention of acetaminophen misuse.
Acetaminophen is often recommended by doctors and highly utilized by patients in both prescription and OTC products for a variety of conditions, making it undoubtedly one of the most common drugs encountered by pharmacists. In the United States, 40% of the adult population reported using OTC acetaminophen monthly, and 23% of the adult population reported using either OTC or prescription acetaminophen weekly.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol or APAP) has analgesic and antipyretic properties similar to aspirin's, but minimal anti-inflammatory properties. It is indicated for mild-to-moderate pain or fever, and it is not associated with stomach discomfort or bleeding at recommended doses. When used appropriately, it has a very well-established safety and efficacy profile. However, hepatotoxicity is a common consequence of overconsumption, which can result in a range of problems, including abnormalities in liver function, acute liver failure, and even death.
Acetaminophen toxicity is one of the most common causes of both intentional and unintentional poisoning in the U.S. In fact, there has been a steady increase in the incidence of acetaminophen-related toxicity over the past decade. This is likely attributed to the widespread availability of acetaminophen as both a single ingredient and in combination with other OTC and prescription medications in various concentrations and formulations. Acetaminophen-associated overdoses account for approximately 56,000 emergency department visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and over 450 deaths annually. Acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity has become the most common cause of acute liver failure and the second most common cause of liver failure requiring transplantation. Therefore, it is imperative that pharmacists recognize signs and symptoms of overdose and toxicity, and counsel their patients on proper dosing and usage.
Abstract and Introduction
Abstract
Acetaminophen toxicity is one of the most common causes of both intentional and unintentional poisoning in the United States. It has become the most common cause of acute liver failure and the second most prevalent cause of liver failure requiring transplantation. Acetaminophen is often recommended by doctors and highly utilized by patients in both prescription and OTC products for a variety of conditions. The FDA has long been updating its recommendations regarding acetaminophen use to help improve patient safety. This article reviews the etiology, signs, and symptoms of acetaminophen toxicity and the role of the pharmacist in the prevention of acetaminophen misuse.
Introduction
Acetaminophen is often recommended by doctors and highly utilized by patients in both prescription and OTC products for a variety of conditions, making it undoubtedly one of the most common drugs encountered by pharmacists. In the United States, 40% of the adult population reported using OTC acetaminophen monthly, and 23% of the adult population reported using either OTC or prescription acetaminophen weekly.
Acetaminophen (paracetamol or APAP) has analgesic and antipyretic properties similar to aspirin's, but minimal anti-inflammatory properties. It is indicated for mild-to-moderate pain or fever, and it is not associated with stomach discomfort or bleeding at recommended doses. When used appropriately, it has a very well-established safety and efficacy profile. However, hepatotoxicity is a common consequence of overconsumption, which can result in a range of problems, including abnormalities in liver function, acute liver failure, and even death.
Acetaminophen toxicity is one of the most common causes of both intentional and unintentional poisoning in the U.S. In fact, there has been a steady increase in the incidence of acetaminophen-related toxicity over the past decade. This is likely attributed to the widespread availability of acetaminophen as both a single ingredient and in combination with other OTC and prescription medications in various concentrations and formulations. Acetaminophen-associated overdoses account for approximately 56,000 emergency department visits, 26,000 hospitalizations, and over 450 deaths annually. Acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity has become the most common cause of acute liver failure and the second most common cause of liver failure requiring transplantation. Therefore, it is imperative that pharmacists recognize signs and symptoms of overdose and toxicity, and counsel their patients on proper dosing and usage.
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