to avoid unintentional overdoses among adults here are some suggestions. read the labels of the medication bottles carefully and determine the amount or strength of acetaminophen in each pill or spoonful. become familiar with all of the other medications that you are taking. remember that over 200 drugs contain acetaminophen as one of the ingredients and that certain drugs such as phenobarbital can significantly increase liver damage. before you take the medication write down (record) the maximum safe number of pills or spoonfuls that you can ingest over 24 hours. stick to that quantity and do not deviate. if however you are unsure of the safe number of doses or think that you need to take more than you should call your doctor or pharmacist. when you receive a prescription for a new medication ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it affects the body's metabolism (processing) of the other medications that you are taking including acetaminophen. if you have been drinking alcohol regularly do not exceed taking two grams of acetaminophen over 24 hours. be honest with yourself about the ingestion of alcohol. record the number of pills or spoonfuls of acetaminophen and the time that you take them.
how can accidental of acetaminophen overdose be avoided in adults?