New Jersey Poison Control Warns of Rising Acetaminophen Overdoses Amid flu Season
The new Jersey Poison Control center has reported a concerning increase in calls related to accidental overdoses of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.Over just two days, the center assisted multiple patients who inadvertently took excessive amounts of the medication while treating flu-like symptoms.
dr. Howard Greller, a Medical Toxicologist at the NJ Poison control Center, explained, “The issue arises because many of those products, whether they say it clearly on the label or not, contain acetaminophen, which is the active ingredient in Tylenol.” Patients are now receiving antidotal therapy to prevent severe complications like liver failure and death.Acetaminophen is found in over 600 medications, including liquid formulations and cold medicines. The maximum daily dosage is four grams, equivalent to eight extra-strength Tylenol pills. However, combining pills and liquid medications can easily lead to an overdose.Diane Calello, Executive and Medical Director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center, emphasized, “adults should never take more than the maximum daily limit of 4,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day from all medicines combined in a 24-hour period. It’s also critically important to make sure you’re not taking multiple doses too close together, as this can lead to overdose and liver damage.”
At Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, testing for acetaminophen overdoses is routine and involves a simple blood test. Dr. Greg Sorkin, Chairman of Emergency Medicine, noted that symptoms often include gastrointestinal distress and vomiting.
The warning also extends to children’s medications. Bruce Ruck, Managing Director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center, advised, “When giving medicine to children, especially young children, give the amount recommended for their weight, not their age.”
To prevent accidental overdoses, officials recommend the following:
- Always read medication labels carefully.
- avoid combining multiple medications containing acetaminophen.
- Stick to the recommended dosage and timing.
| Key Facts about Acetaminophen Overdose |
|——————————————–|
| Maximum Daily Dose: 4,000 mg (8 extra-strength Tylenol pills) |
| Found in: Over 600 medications, including cold medicines and liquids |
| Symptoms: Gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, liver damage |
| Prevention: Read labels, avoid combining medications, follow dosage guidelines |
Acetaminophen remains safe and effective when used correctly, but vigilance is crucial to avoid accidental overdoses. For more data on acetaminophen safety, consult trusted medical resources.
If you suspect an overdose, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Center immediately for guidance. Stay informed, stay safe.
Table of Contents
- Navigating Over-the-Counter Medications: A Guide to Safe and Effective use
- choose Targeted Products
- Check the Active Ingredients
- Avoid Combining Medicines
- Follow the Directions on the Label
- Key Takeaways
- Stay Informed and Engaged
- Download the ABC7NY App for Breaking News Alerts
- Follow Us on YouTube for Exclusive Content
- Submit a Tip or Story Idea
- Why Eyewitness News?
- Key Features at a Glance
- Join the Conversation
- Key Takeaways on Acetaminophen safety:
- Guidelines for safe OTC Medication Use:
- Additional Resources:
- Staying Informed:
When it comes to managing everyday ailments like headaches, colds, or muscle pain, over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often the first line of defense. However, improper use of thes readily available remedies can lead to unintended consequences, including overdosing or harmful drug interactions. To ensure safe and effective use, experts recommend following a few key guidelines.
choose Targeted Products
the first step in using OTC medications safely is to select products specifically designed to treat your symptoms. “Onyl use medicines designed to treat your symptoms,” advises health professionals. This targeted approach not only ensures effectiveness but also minimizes the risk of needless side effects.
Check the Active Ingredients
One of the most critical aspects of OTC medication safety is understanding the active ingredients in the products you’re using.Many medications, especially those containing acetaminophen, can be found in multiple products. “Review the active ingredients in all the products you’re using to avoid doubling up on ingredients, especially acetaminophen,” experts caution.Acetaminophen, a common pain reliever and fever reducer, is safe when used as directed. Though, exceeding the recommended daily dose can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage. “Be mindful of the total milligrams of acetaminophen you consume from all sources in 24 hours. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose,” the guidelines emphasize.
Avoid Combining Medicines
Combining multiple OTC products can be risky, notably if they contain the same active ingredients.”Do not take more than one over-the-counter product containing acetaminophen simultaneously occurring or within a short period of time,” health experts warn. This practice can inadvertently lead to an overdose, even if each product is taken within its recommended dosage.
Follow the Directions on the Label
Reading and adhering to the instructions on the medication label is non-negotiable. “Carefully read the warnings and dosing directions on the label, insert, or product packaging before taking or giving medicine,” the guidelines stress. This simple step can prevent misuse and ensure that the medication is both safe and effective.
Key Takeaways
To summarize, here are the essential tips for safely using OTC medications:
| Guideline | Key Action |
|———————————–|——————————————————————————–|
| Choose Targeted Products | Use medicines designed specifically for your symptoms. |
| Check Active Ingredients | Avoid doubling up on ingredients like acetaminophen. |
| Avoid Combining Medicines | Do not take multiple products with the same active ingredient together. |
| Follow Label Directions | Read and adhere to dosing instructions and warnings.|
Stay Informed and Engaged
For more health tips and updates, consider subscribing to Eyewitness News. If you’re in New jersey, stay connected with the latest local news by visiting More New Jersey News. Have a news tip or story to share? You can submit it here.
By following these guidelines,you can make informed decisions about OTC medications,ensuring they work effectively without compromising your health. Stay safe, stay informed, and always prioritize your well-being.Stay Connected with Eyewitness news: Breaking News, Tips, and More
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Key Features at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|—————————|—————————————————————————–|
| ABC7NY App | Download here for breaking news alerts. |
| YouTube Channel | news tips via the submission form. |
| Terms of Use | Learn more about submitting photos or videos. |
Join the Conversation
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It seems like you’ve shared a detailed and informative piece about acetaminophen safety, over-the-counter (OTC) medication use, and staying informed through news sources. Here’s a concise summary of the key points:
Key Takeaways on Acetaminophen safety:
- Maximum Daily Dose: Do not exceed 4,000 mg (8 extra-strength Tylenol pills) in 24 hours.
- Found In: Over 600 medications, including cold medicines and liquid formulations.
- Symptoms of Overdose: Gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and potential liver damage.
- Prevention Tips:
– read medication labels carefully.
– Avoid combining multiple medications containing acetaminophen.
- stick to recommended dosages and timing.
Guidelines for safe OTC Medication Use:
- Choose Targeted Products: Use medications designed specifically for your symptoms.
- Check Active Ingredients: Avoid doubling up on ingredients like acetaminophen.
- Avoid Combining Medicines: Do not take multiple products with the same active ingredient concurrently.
- Follow Label Directions: Always read and adhere to dosing instructions and warnings.
Additional Resources:
- For more information on acetaminophen safety, visit WebMD.
- If you suspect an overdose, contact the New Jersey Poison Control Centre instantly.
Staying Informed:
- Stay updated with breaking news and health tips by subscribing to Eyewitness News.
- For local New Jersey news,visit more New Jersey News.
- Share news tips or stories by submitting them here.
By following these guidelines, you can safely manage your health and avoid the risks associated with improper medication use. Stay informed, stay safe!
