CLINICAL PATHWAY

ACETAMINOPHEN (APAP) TOXICITY

ALGORITHM 1. ACUTE Acetaminophen (APAP) Toxicity

ACUTE Acetaminophen (APAP) Inclusion Criteria:

ACUTE Any patient with concern for
ingestion: Acetaminophen (APAP) ingestion: acetaminophen toxicity
• All the ingestion taken within
an 8 hour timeframe Exclusion Criteria:
• Presenting less than 24 hours • Ingestion of acetaminophen with co-
after a known time of ingestion ingestants (i.e. cough and cold
• Obtain APAP concentration 4 preparations) (may contain
hours from the earliest time of dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine),
NONACUTE Acetaminophen sleep/night preparations (PM) (may
(APAP) ingestion: ingestion contain diphenhydramine,
• Inaccurate timeline (poor • Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) chlorpheniramine), opioid combination
history) • Obtain a salicylate concentration products)
• Unknown timeline • Any other relevant labs • Severe ingestions (APAP blood
concentrations greater than
• Repeated Supratherapeutic
300 mcg/ml)
Ingestion (all the ingestion
occurs in greater than an 8
hour timeframe) Plot APAP concentration on Matthew
• Presenting greater than 24 Rumack Nomogram (4-24 hours past
hours after acute ingestion time of ingestion) (Page 8)

! Consult toxicology through

All self-harm Normal Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug
Above Treatment
ingestion attempts No Transaminases No Safety (RMPDS) for further
Line?
will need (AST/ALT)? recommendations
psychiatric evaluation 1-800-222-1222
Consider social work
consultation if there are concerns
for maltreatment or neglect resulting Yes
in APAP ingestion or toxicity.

Yes Can medically clear

from APAP toxicity

• Initiate N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

Normal • If liver function tests abnormal,
Transaminases No obtain Prothrombin Time/
(AST/ALT)? International Normalized Ratio
(PT/INR)

Yes

• Initiate N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

• Consult toxicology through
RMPDS (1-800-222-1222) INR greater than 2 • Consult toxicology through
• Admit to hospital service OR greater than 1.5 No RMPDS (1-800-222-1222)
with encephalopathy? • Admit to hospital service

Yes

• Admit to PICU
• Consult Liver Service
• Consult toxicology through
RMPDS (1-800-222-1222) with
further questions or co-ingestants
• Other risk factors: pH less than
7.3, acute kidney injury (AKI)

Matthew Rumack Nomogram

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ALGORITHM 2. NONACUTE Acetaminophen (APAP) Toxicity

Inclusion Criteria:
NONACUTE Acetaminophen NONACUTE Any patient with concern for
(APAP) ingestion: Acetaminophen (APAP) ingestion: acetaminophen toxicity
• Inaccurate timeline (poor Exclusion Criteria:
history) • Ingestion of acetaminophen with co-
• Unknown timeline ingestants (i.e. cough and cold
• Repeated Supratherapeutic preparations) (may contain
Ingestion (all the ingestion dextromethorphan, diphenhydramine),
occurs in greater than an 8 • Obtain APAP concentration sleep/night preparations (PM) (may
contain diphenhydramine,
hour timeframe) immediately chlorpheniramine), opioid combination
• Presenting greater than 24 • Complete Metabolic Panel (CMP) products)
hours after acute ingestion • Any other relevant labs • Severe ingestions (APAP blood
concentrations greater than
ACUTE Acetaminophen (APAP) 300 mcg/ml)
ingestion:
• All the ingestion taken within
an 8 hour timeframe
• Presenting less than 24 hours
after a known time of ingestion Consult toxicology through
Normal Rocky Mountain Poison & Drug
APAP greater than
No Transaminases No Safety (RMPDS) for further
20 mcg/ml?
(AST/ALT)? recommendations
1-800-222-1222

!
All self-harm
ingestion attempts
will need Yes
psychiatric evaluation
Yes
Consider social work
consultation if there are concerns Can medically clear
for maltreatment or neglect resulting from APAP toxicity
in APAP ingestion or toxicity.

• Initiate N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

Normal • If liver function tests abnormal,
Transaminases No obtain Prothrombin Time/
(AST/ALT)? International Normalized Ratio
(PT/INR)

Yes

• Initiate N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

INR greater than 2 • Consult toxicology through
• Consult toxicology through
OR greater than 1.5 No RMPDS (1-800-222-1222)
RMPDS (1-800-222-1222)
with encephalopathy? • Admit to hospital service
• Admit to hospital service

Yes

• Admit to PICU
• Consult Liver Service
• Consult toxicology through
RMPDS (1-800-222-1222) with
further questions or co-ingestants
• Other risk factors: pH less than
7.3, acute kidney injury (AKI)

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Algorithm 1. ACUTE Acetaminophen (APAP) Toxicity
Algorithm 2. NONACUTE Acetaminophen (APAP) Toxicity
Target Population
Background | Definitions
Initial Evaluation- N/A
Clinical Management
Laboratory Studies | Imaging
Therapeutics
Parent | Caregiver Education
References
Clinical Improvement Team

TARGET POPULATION

Inclusion Criteria
Any patient with concern for acetaminophen toxicity.

• Acute supratherapeutic acetaminophen ingestion

• Unknown time of a supratherapeutic acetaminophen ingestion
• Repeated supratherapeutic acetaminophen ingestion

Exclusion Criteria
• Ingestion of acetaminophen with co-ingestants (ie cough and cold preparations (may contain dextromethorphan,
diphenhydramine), PM preparations (may contain diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine), opioid combination
products)
• Severe ingestions (APAP blood concentrations greater than 300 mcg/ml)

BACKGROUND | DEFINITIONS
Acetaminophen (APAP) is an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic that is commonly used in all ages.
Therapeutic mechanism of action is via inhibition of the formation of prostaglandins. In overdose or supratherapeutic
settings, it can lead to hepatotoxicity. In extreme circumstances, overdose can lead to liver failure, metabolic acidosis,
cerebral edema and death. APAP ingestions are one of the most common reported unintentional and intentional
ingestions. In the 2017 National Poison Data System annual review, there were almost 110,000 human exposures to
APAP single ingredient and combination products. There were 142 deaths attributed to APAP combination exposures,
and 140 acetaminophen alone exposures. In pediatrics, APAP ingestions are one of the most common presenting
toxicological complaints in the emergency room and is a leading toxicological diagnosis requiring admission to both the
inpatient ward and ICU.

In normal metabolism, APAP is renally eliminated unchanged (5%) or metabolized via hepatic glucuronidation
(40-65%) and sulfation (20-45%). In supratherapeutic ingestion, these metabolic pathways become saturated and
metabolism occurs via CYP 2E1 to NAPQI, which can lead to cellular toxicity (specifically hepatotoxicity). NAPQI is
normally conjugated to glutathione to form nontoxic APAP conjugates which are eliminated in the urine. However, it is
overproduced in overdose settings, leading to hepatotoxicity.

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DEFINITIONS
• ACUTE ingestion: all of the ingestion of APAP taken within an 8-hour timeframe, and presenting less than 24
hours after initial time of ingestion
• NON- ACUTE ingestion:
o Inaccurate timeline (poor history)
o Unknown timeline
o Repeated Supratherapeutic Ingestion (RSTI): ingestion occurs in greater than an 8 hour timeframe
o Presenting greater than 24 hours after ingestion

CLINICAL MANAGEMENT
Obtain thorough history and perform physical exam.

History:
• Inquire about past medical history (hospitalizations, recent illness, psychiatric history including past suicidal
ideation or attempts)
• Take a medication history. This includes regular medications, or recently taken medications. Potential other
medications that the patient could have access to is also important in ruling out other ingestions.
• Obtain details of events including: timeline of events (when ingestion occurred), the maximum amount suspected
(tablet strength, size of bottle, estimate of number of tabs remaining), and subsequent timeline of events (any
therapies, interventions, symptoms that have developed prior to arrival).

Clinical Symptoms of APAP toxicity:

• Most patients will develop nausea/vomiting after supratherapeutic ingestion of APAP.

• Some patients may be asymptomatic.

• In a large overdose, somnolence or CNS depression may develop.

• APAP is common in combination preparations. Thus, initial symptoms may be due to co-ingestants such as
antitussive agents (dextromethorphan), antihistamines (diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine), and opioids
(codeine, oxycodone, hydrocodone). These co-ingestants, specifically antihistamines, can lead to irregular
kinetics, erratic absorption, and unpredictable toxicity.

Clinical Progression of APAP toxicity:

• Nausea/vomiting can last 24-36 hours after ingestion. In large overdose, metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular
collapse can occur within hours of ingestion.

• Without treatment, liver transaminitis will begin approximately 20-24 hours after time of ingestion (as early as 12
hours in the most severe of ingestions). The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) will be the first to rise, followed
by alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Level of transaminitis can range from 2-3 times normal, to greater than 10-
20,000 IU/L in severe toxicity. Maximum liver toxicity occurs between 72-96 hours after ingestion. Transaminitis
does not universally lead to coagulopathy or liver dysfunction.

• Liver dysfunction (if occurs) can occur approximately 2-3 days after ingestion. Signs will include coagulopathy,
and encephalopathy

• Acute kidney injury (if occurs) can occur 2-5 days after ingestion, often peaking at 7 days after ingestion.

• Without treatment, fatalities can occur 3-5 days after acute overdose.

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CLINICAL PATHWAY

• In recovery phase after ingestion, the AST typically will decline prior to ALT, followed by improvements in liver
and kidney function.

Prognosis of APAP toxicity:

• Ingestions that present and receive N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) within 8-10 hours from time of ingestion universally
do well and expect a full recovery.

• Even those who present after the 8-10 hour time-frame and receive NAC typically do well

• Patients who present after the setting of a chronic repeated supratherapeutic ingestion (RSTI), late presenting
acute ingestion, and/or already with signs of liver dysfunction, have a guarded and potentially poor prognosis

• Lactate greater than 3.0 mmol/l after fluid resuscitation or 3.5 mmol/l at 55 hours after ingestion has been an
indicator of increased mortality without transplantation.

• The most commonly used indicator for the need for immediate transplantation in adults with APAP toxicity is the
King’s College Criteria (KCC). Survival rate of adult patients who meet KCC and do not receive organ transplant
is less than 20%. KCC includes
o pH less than 7.30 after adequate fluid resuscitation
OR Combination of:
o Creatinine (Cr) greater than 3.4 mg/ml
o Prothrombin (PT) greater than 100 s (INR greater than 6.5)
o Grade III or IV encephalopathy
• Other scores used to assess adult patients for need for transplantation after APAP ingestion include APACHE II
score greater than 15, APACHE III score greater than 60, or combination of hypoglycemia, coagulopathy and
lactic acidosis.

Differential Diagnosis:
• Although toxicity is quite different, other over-the-counter analgesics are often mistaken for each other, including
aspirin, and NSAID’s.

• Other etiologies for hepatotoxicity and liver failure, both toxicological and non-toxicological in nature, should be
explored.

Monitoring:
• Continuous cardiac/pulse oximetry monitoring is recommended for unstable and critically ill patients.

LABORATORY STUDIES | IMAGING

• For ACUTE ingestions: APAP concentration and complete metabolic panel should be obtained at 4 hours after
the earliest known time of ingestion (or upon presentation if after 4 hours). This concentration can be plotted on
the Matthew-Rumack Nomogram to determine treatment plan.
• For NON-ACUTE ingestions: APAP concentration and complete metabolic panel should be obtained upon
presentation. The Matthew-Rumack Nomogram is not applicable.
• Consider coagulation panel if transaminitis is noted.
• Obtain a venous blood gas for patients with metabolic acidosis noted on their electrolytes, altered mental status,
or liver synthetic dysfunction.
• A salicylate concentration should be obtained to rule out erroneous reporting of analgesic ingested.
• Other studies include labs or electrocardiogram to investigate co-ingestants as clinically indicated.

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CLINICAL PATHWAY

THERAPEUTICS

Routinely Indicated: N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

• There are no changes in morbidity or mortality between the 2 routes of administration of NAC. IV is more often
used due to the ease of use, shorter duration/course of treatment, and difficulties with PO administration with
significant nausea/vomiting.
• There may be circumstances in severe overdose when the rate and/or amount of NAC is increased. This should
be done in consultation with the Medical Toxicology Service.

Intravenous (IV) N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

• 2-Bag regimen
• FIRST dose: 200 mg/kg/dose (max: 20 grams) infused over 4 hours
• SECOND dose: 100 mg/kg/dose (max: 10 grams) infused over 16 hours
• IF NEEDED, continuation of treatment beyond the second dose: 100 mg/kg/dose (max: 10 grams) infused over
16 hours. Begin subsequent bags immediately after prior bag finishes.
• IF patient is started on a 3-bag regimen at an outside facility (150mg/kg loading dose over 1 hour followed by
50mg/kg over 4 hours) – may switch patient over to 16 hour ‘second’ dose on arrival
• Common adverse events:
o Non-allergic anaphylactic reactions (NAARs) – rash, hives, flushing, throat tightness, angioedema
o Gastrointestinal – dyspepsia, nausea, vomiting
o Can administer diphenhydramine, decrease the rate of IV administration, or transition to PO formulation with
significant adverse events.
o Can also cause a slight bump in INR, though should still be less than 2. An INR greater than 2 should not be
attributed to IV NAC.

Oral (PO) N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)

• N-Acetylcysteine 20% (200 mg/ml):
There is no data for use of the OTC supplement tablets for acetaminophen poisoning. Dosing below is based on
effervescent tablet (Cetylev) or a solution for oral administration that is prepared from the solution for oral
inhalation:
o 72-hour regimen: Consists of 18 doses; total dose delivered: 1,330 mg/kg
• Loading dose: 140 mg/kg; maximum dose: 15 g/dose
• Maintenance dose: 70 mg/kg every 4 hours for 17 doses; maximum dose: 7.5 g/dose
o Repeat dose if emesis occurs within 1 hour of administration
o Note: 72 hour regimen may be shortened, but this should be done in consultation with the medical
toxicology service.
• Common adverse events (or difficulties with compliance):
o Similar to IV, although less NAARs and more GI related ADEs
o Amount of doses and volume may be hard for patient to tolerate
o Has sulfur (rotten-egg) smell/taste -- may be mixed in juices, soda, or other vehicles to aid in palatability

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Recommended in some patients:

Activated Charcoal

• For acute ingestions who present less than 2 hours post ingestion with normal mentation, consider dose of
activated charcoal (0.5-1 g/kg), ONLY if the patient can voluntarily self-administer.
Intravenous Fluids

• Patients with severe toxicity and illness, nausea/vomiting, or inability to have oral intake should receive IVF
resuscitation and maintenance fluids with appropriate dextrose and electrolytes.
Extracorporeal Removal

• In severe overdose, where toxicity has led to CNS symptoms, metabolic acidosis (which is typically APAP blood
concentrations greater than 800 mcg/ml), hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy has been used
to correct the metabolic derangements in addition to extracting APAP. This modality is used sparingly and
should be used in consultation with Medical Toxicology Service.

Not Routinely Indicated:

Gastric Lavage, whole bowel irrigation, or cathartics

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CLINICAL PATHWAY

Disposition
• Acute ingestion: patients with an APAP above the Matthew-Rumack Nomogram Treatment Line will require
course of NAC.

• Unknown or RSTI: patients with a supratherapeutic concentration (APAP greater than 20 mcg/ml) or elevated
transaminitis will require course of NAC

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CLINICAL PATHWAY

ADMISSION to inpatient/observation
• Consult toxicology via the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety (RMPDS) at 1-800-222-1222
• Patients without significant liver dysfunction (INR greater than 2) can be observed in the ED or admitted to the
inpatient hospitalist service for course of NAC

ADMISSION to ICU
• If INR greater than 2 OR INR greater than 1.5 WITH encephalopathy:
o Other significant risk factors: pH less than 7.3, acute kidney injury (AKI), metabolic acidosis
• Consult Liver Service who will be primary consultation
• Consult toxicology via the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Safety (RMPDS) at 1-800-222-1222 for further
questions or if there are co-ingestants
• Patients admitted to ICU with involvement of Liver Service, can be transferred to the Liver Inpatient Service once
clinically stable

STOPPING CRITERIA FOR NAC

• For an acute APAP ingestion, repeat LFT’s and APAP concentration 1-2hours prior to completing each 16-hour
bag or prior to last PO dose.
• For a nonacute APAP toxicity, repeat labs q12 hours (LFT’s, APAP concentration, and INR, if applicable).
• Duration of NAC may be shortened per toxicology recommendations.
• Recommended stopping criteria for any APAP toxicity:
o APAP less than 20 mcg/ml
o LFT’s (AST/ALT) remain normal (if transaminitis never occurred) OR declining and approximately 50% of
peak levels
o Cr less than 2 mg/dl and declining (if applicable)
o INR less than 2 and declining (if applicable)
o Clinically well (without encephalopathy)

MEDICAL CLEARANCE
• All self-harm ingestion attempts will need psychiatric evaluation.
• Consider social work consultation if there are concerns for maltreatment or neglect resulting in APAP ingestion
or toxicity.
• All discharged patients who have LFT’s that have not completely normalized upon medical clearance will need
outpatient follow up with repeat LFT’s every 1-2 weeks until normalized. If liver tests remain elevated after 1-2
months, they will need follow up with Liver Team as outpatient.

PARENT | CAREGIVER EDUCATION

• Most patients who receive NAC within 8-10 hours within the time of ingestion will fully recover
• Once recovered, long-term liver injury or dysfunction is not expected
• Poison prevention counseling
• Mental health resources

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REFERENCES
1. Bernal W, Wendon J, Rela M, Heaton N, Williams R. Use and outcome of liver transplantation in acetaminophen-
induced acute liver failure. Hepatology. 1998 Apr;27(4):1050-5.
2. Chiew AL, Gluud C, Brok J, Buckely NA. Interventions for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. Cochrane
Database Syst Rev. 2018 Feb 23;2:CD003328. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003328.pub3.
3. Craig DG, Ford AC, Hayes PC, Simpson KJ. Systematic review: prognostic tests of paracetamol-induced acute
liver failure. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2010 May;31(10):1064-76. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2010.04279.x
4. Dart RC, Rumack BH: Patient-tailored acetylcysteine administration. Ann Emerg Med 2007;50:280–281 [PMID:
17418449].
5. Ghannoum M, Kazim S, Grunbaum AM, Villeneuve E, Gosselin S. Massive acetaminophen overdose: effect of
hemodialysis on acetaminophen and acetylcysteine kinetics. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2016 Jul;54(6):519-22. doi:
10.1080/15563650.2016.1175006.
6. Gummin DD, Mowry JB, Spyker DA, Brooks DE, Osterthaler KM, Banner W. 2017 Annual Report of the American
Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System (NPDS): 35th Annual Report. Clin Toxicol
(Phila). 2018 Dec;56(12):1213-1415. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2018.1533727.
7. Hendrickson, RG, McKeown NJ. Chapter 33: Acetaminophen. Goldfrank’s Toxicological Emergencies. 11th edition.
8. Hoyte C, Dart RC: Transition to two-bag intravenous acetylcysteine for acetaminophen overdose: a poison center's
experience. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2019 Jan 28:1-2. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2018.1510127.
9. Levine M, Stellpflug SJ, Pizon AF, Peak DA, Villano J, Wiegand T, Dib C, Thomas SH. Hypoglycemia and lactic
acidosis outperform King's College criteria for predicting death or transplant in acetaminophen toxic patients. Clin
Toxicol (Phila). 2018 Jul;56(7):622-625. doi: 10.1080/15563650.2017.1420193.
10. Mitchell I, Bihari D, Chang R, Wendon J, Williams R. Earlier identification of patients at risk from acetaminophen-
induced acute liver failure. Crit Care Med. 1998 Feb;26(2):279-84.
11. O'Grady JG, Alexander GJ, Hayllar KM, Williams R. Early indicators of prognosis in fulminant hepatic failure.
Gastroenterology. 1989 Aug;97(2):439-45.
12. Rumack BH, Bateman DN: Acetaminophen and acetylcysteine dose and duration: past, present and future. Clin
Toxicol (Phila) Feb 2012;50(2):91–98. doi: 10.3109/15563650.2012.659252.22320209.
13. Schmidt LE et al: Fewer adverse effects associated with a modified two-bag intravenous acetylcysteine protocol
compared to traditional three-bag regimen in paracetamol overdose. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2018 May 24:1-7. doi:
10.1080/15563650.2018.1475672.
14. Wang GS, Monte A, Bagdure D, Heard K. Hepatic failure despite early acetylcysteine following large
acetaminophen-diphenhydramine overdose. Pediatrics. 2011 Apr;127(4):e1077-80. doi: 10.1542/peds.2010-2521.
15. www.kingsalfpredictor.org

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 CLINICAL PATHWAY

CLINICAL IMPROVEMENT TEAM MEMBERS

George Sam Wang, MD | Emergency Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Christopher Hoyte, MD | Emergency Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Kennon Heard, MD PhD | Emergency Medicine, Medical Toxicology
Laurie Halmo, MD | Pediatrics, Medical Toxicology
Cara Mack, MD | Liver Medical Service
Maureen Cunningham MD | Hospitalist
Cameron Gunville, MD | Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Michael Barberio, PharmD | Clinical Pharmacist, Emergency Medicine
Liz Ficco | Clinical Effectiveness

REVIEWED BY
David Listman, MD | Emergency Medicine
Patrick Cripe, MD | Intensivist
Tracey Clark, MD | Hospitalist
David Nash, MD | Pharmacist

APPROVED BY
Clinical Pathways and Measures Committee – July 16, 2019
Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee – August 1, 2019
Clinical Pathways/Quality
MANUAL/DEPARTMENT
ORIGINATION DATE August 1, 2019
LAST DATE OF REVIEW OR REVISION August 1, 2019

COLORADO SPRINGS REVIEW BY

Michael DiStefano, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Children’s Hospital Colorado –
Colorado Springs

APPROVED BY

Lalit Bajaj, MD, MPH

Medical Director, Clinical Effectiveness
REVIEW | REVISION SCHEDULE
Scheduled for full review on August 1, 2023

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