Liver Damage Symptoms

Acetaminophen overdose symptoms begin with and include four phases that last for several days.

Stage 1

The initial phase takes place in the first 24 hours after the overdose and usually includes nausea, vomiting, and profuse sweating. Unfortunately, parents of children who are exhibiting such symptoms often misidentify sweating as evidence of a fever and give the child more acetaminophen, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Therefore, additional doses of the medication should definitely be avoided if nausea and vomiting develop after the drug has been ingested.

Stage 2

The second phase, otherwise known as the latent phase, occurs within 48 hours of the acetaminophen overdose and includes the disappearance of the initial symptoms of nausea and vomiting. As a result, the person may feel fine and healthy although he or she may be experiencing less frequent urination. However, it is at this point that the liver will begin to be damaged if medical attention is not immediately given to the person.

Stage 3

The next phase takes place between 48 and 72 hours after ingestion. An upper-right abdominal pain, resulting from the toxic by-products that have accumulated in the liver fromthe acetaminophen overdose, develops and causes tissue damage. Permanent liver damage can take place at this point, and the signs of such damage include nausea and vomiting, yellow skin discoloration, dark urine, drowsiness and confusion resulting from diminished brain function, and coma. At this stage, kidney failure and heart problems often occur in conjunction with liver failure, and a liver transplant is often necessary in order for the patient to survive.

Stage 4

The final phase of liver damage occurs from day 5 to day 14 after acetaminophen has been ingested and includes a complete recovery or, conversely, death. Consequently, immediate medical attention should be given if a person experiences any of the following side effects after consuming acetaminophen:

- Nausea
- Profuse sweating
- Vomiting
- Unusual bleeding
- Extreme tiredness
- Upper-right abdominal pain
- Yellow skin discoloration
- Flu-like symptoms

More potential side effects of acetaminophen include:

- Hives
- Rash
- Itching
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face, hands, or other extremities such as when experiencing an allergic reaction
- Difficulty breathing

Because of the damage that can potentially occur with the administration of acetaminophen as a drug, many people have found it beneficial to adhere to the following guidelines when consuming this over-the-counter medication.

1. Read the label. Always try the lowest dosage recommendation first, and, if that doesn't work, proceed to follow the next recommendation without exceeding the daily maximum.
2. Be careful with drug combinations. Many over-the-counter drugs already contain acetaminophen, so be sure to check the ingredient listings and recommended dosage amounts.
3. Be careful with alcohol.
4. Take alternate painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin.
5. Use caution with caffeine since large amounts of it may increase the risk of liver dysfunction by acetaminophen.