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Acetaminophen and codeine overdose

Contents of this page:

Alternative Names   

Tylenol # 3 overdose; Phenaphen with codeine overdose; Tylenol with codeine overdose

Definition    Return to top

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and codeine is a prescription pain medicine. It is a narcotic, which means it has the potential to relieve pain while making you feel sleepy.

Acetaminophen and codeine overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medication.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual poison exposure. If you have an exposure, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.

See also:

Poisonous Ingredient    Return to top

Acetaminophen combined with codeine

Where Found    Return to top

Acetaminophen with codeine is commonly sold under the name Tylenol #3.

Symptoms    Return to top

Home Care    Return to top

Seek immediate medical help. This type of overdose can cause death. Do NOT make the person throw up unless told to do so by Poison Control or a health care professional.

Before Calling Emergency    Return to top

Determine the following information:

Poison Control    Return to top

The National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

See: Poison control center - emergency number

What to Expect at the Emergency Room    Return to top

The health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may be admitted to the hospital and may receive:

If there is a high level of acetaminophen in the blood, the patient will be given N-Acetyl cysteine. Without this counteracting drug, called an antidote, deadly liver failure will occur.

Outlook (Prognosis)    Return to top

If an antidote can be given, recovery from an acute overdose often occurs within 24 - 48 hours.

Update Date: 2/3/2009

Updated by: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, Greg Juhn, MTPW, David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by Eric Perez, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (10/29/07).

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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2009, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.