February 11, 2012
/24-7PressRelease/ -- The University of Edinburgh recently completed a study on the impact of acetaminophen use - an active ingredient in Tylenol. The study found that a
staggered overdose of this ingredient is more deadly than a onetime overdose - even though those who experienced a staggered overdose took less Tylenol overall.
What is a Staggered Overdose?
A staggered overdose occurs when an individual repeatedly takes more than the recommended dose, even if only slightly more than the recommended dose. These types of overdoses are more dangerous because it is more difficult for a doctor to diagnose.
Moreover, a standard blood test may not detect this type of overdose even though irreversible damage has occurred. This is because the acetaminophen levels in the blood are low since the overdosing occurs gradually. Also, a patient will most likely go to the doctor experiencing a general uneasiness or unwell feeling, not reporting an overdose.
Results of Tylenol Study
Staggered overdoses can damage the liver and brain. Individuals with a staggered overdose also may need help breathing or may need kidney dialysis. The risk of fatal damage is greater if the patient does not go to the doctor within 24 hours of overdosing. The study also found that 37.3 percent of patients who were diagnosed with a staggered overdose died, while only 27.8 percent of single overdose patients died.
A staggered overdose is most likely to happen to someone with persistent pain who is taking Tylenol regularly to manage the pain. The common pains experienced by patients diagnosed with a staggered overdose were headaches, toothaches, muscle pain and stomach pain.
If you have persistent pain, be sure to monitor your intake of acetaminophen. Tylenol packets recommend not taking more than five tablets containing acetaminophen in any 24-hour period. And, if you believe you have been injured as a result of Tylenol use, contact an experienced attorney in your area to be advised of your rights and options.
Article provided by Babbitt, Johnson, Osborne & Le Clainche, P.A.
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www.babbitt-johnson.com/---
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