When acetaminophen use becomes toxic

PREVIEW

We've all heard the advice that too much of a good thing can be bad. In the case of acetaminophen, even a dose that's considered safe can be too much in someone who is at risk of toxic effects (ie, users of alcohol or medications that induce P-450 isoenzymes, the malnourished). In this article, the authors describe the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity caused by acetaminophen accumulation, phases of the clinical course, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment with activated charcoal and acetylcysteine.