2. Toxicity is the effect that occurs when too much
of a drug accumulates in the bloodstream.
This could be due to either overdose or the
inability of the kidney or liver to break down the
drug.
The degree of harmful effects varies depending
on the drug and the dose, but they can be life-threatening.
3.
4. When the blood plasma level of the drug is below the
minimum effective concentration, no therapeutic effect
occurs.
The therapeutic range falls between the MCE and the toxic
concentration. This is where the blood plasma level of the
drug is intended to be.
The toxic concentration indicates the the concentration of
the drug that is not safe to be in the bloodstream.
5.
6. Acetaminophen is available in several different dosages (Tylenol
2014).
A person should not exceed 4,000 mg of acetaminophen within 24
Dosage Information for
Tylenol
hours (Tylenol 2014).
7.
8. The liver metabolizes nearly every drug and
toxin that enter the body (Mehta, 2012).
When the amount of acetaminophen in the
liver exceeds the therapeutic range and
becomes toxic, the liver may become
damaged. This is called hepatotoxicity.
9. What does acetaminophen toxicity do to the
liver?
Damage to the liver occurs between 72-96
hours after acetaminophen injection.
Hepatic necrosis occurs, along with hepatic
dysfunction.
If treatment is not received, multi-organ
failure is possible.
(Farrell, 2014)
10. How to prevent toxicity…
Always take drugs
as directed.
Do not exceed
maximum dosage.
Know the dosage of
drug per tablet.
Know how often to
take the medication.
Know what other
medications to
avoid while taking
Tylenol.
Acetaminophen is in
over 600 medications,
thus it is easy to
exceed the therapeutic
dose (Tylenol, 2014).
11.
12. References
Farrell, S. E. (2014, June 24). Acetaminophen Toxicity . Retrieved September 1, 2014, from Medscape:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/ 820200-overview
Tylenol (2014). Frequently asked questions. Washington, PA: McNeil-PPC, Inc. Retrieved from Tylenol:
http://www.tylenol.com/safety-dosing/faq#safety-dosing
Tylenol (2014). Acetaminophen dosage for adults. Washington, PA: McNeil-PPC, Inc. Retrieved from
http://www.getreliefresponsibly.com/acetaminophen-dosage/adults?
utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=GRR+-+Unbranded&utm_term=acetaminophen
%2520dosage&utm_content=Acetaminophen+-+Dosing|mkwid|s1RXEK6GM_dc|pcrid|27714131282|338ilu23432
Lehne, R. A. (2013). Pharmacology for Nursing Care, 8th Edition. St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.: Elsevier.
Mehta, N. (2012, June 27). Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity. Retrieved September 2, 2014, from Medscape:
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/169814-overview#aw2aab6b3
