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continued:
Acetaminophen and children: Why dosage matters
Guide to toxic doses of acetaminophen, based on a child's weight and type of acetaminophen
| Child's weight | Toxic amount over 24 hours | Toxic amount based on dosage form | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Infant drops* | Children's liquid** | 160-mg chewable tablets | Adult-strength 500-mg tablets | ||
| 20 pounds (9 kg) | 1,818 mg or more | 3.6 teaspoons, or tsp. (18.2 milliliters, or mL) | 11.4 tsp. (56.8 mL) | 11.4 | 3.6 |
| 30 pounds (14 kg) | 2,727 mg or more | 5.5 tsp. (27.3 mL) | 17 tsp. (85.2 mL) | 17 | 5.5 |
| 40 pounds (18 kg) | 3,636 mg or more | 7.3 tsp. (36.4 mL) | 22.7 tsp. (113.6 mL) | 22.7 | 7.3 |
| 50 pounds (23 kg) | 4,545 mg or more | 9.1 tsp. (45.5 mL) | 28.4 tsp. (142 mL) | 28.4 | 9.1 |
| 60 pounds (27 kg) | 5,454 mg or more | 10.9 tsp. (54.5 mL) | 34.1 tsp. (170.5 mL) | 34.1 | 10.9 |
| 70 pounds (32 kg) | 6,363 mg or more | 12.7 tsp. (63.9 mL) | 39.8 tsp. (198.9 mL) | 39.8 | 12.7 |
| 80 pounds (36 kg) | 7,273 mg or more | 14.5 tsp. (72.7 mL) | 45.5 tsp. (227.3 mL) | 45.5 | 14.5 |
*80 mg per 0.8 mL, which equals one dropperful
**160 mg per 5 mL, which equals 1 tsp.
Note: This table is a general guide only, not a substitute for a consultation with a trained poison specialist. If you're concerned about an acetaminophen overdose, contact your local poison control center at 800-222-1222 or seek emergency care.
How is an acetaminophen overdose treated?
If your child ingests more than the recommended amount of acetaminophen but not enough to cause a toxic reaction, medical care isn't likely necessary. Be cautious, however. If you're concerned about a possible acetaminophen overdose or notice early signs or symptoms of an overdose — nausea, vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain within 24 hours — call your local poison control center at 800-222-1222 or seek emergency care.
In the hospital, a child with an acetaminophen overdose may be given activated charcoal to decrease absorption of the acetaminophen. Activated charcoal is usually given as a black liquid drink, but it can be given through a tube inserted through the mouth or nose and into the stomach if necessary. If the overdose is severe, the child may need an antidote to reverse the effects of the acetaminophen. The antidote should be given within eight to 10 hours after the acetaminophen is swallowed.
Left untreated, a serious acetaminophen overdose may be fatal within a few days. Careful use of acetaminophen and prompt treatment in case of an overdose can help prevent a tragedy.
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