As of September 30, 2025, U.S. Poison Centers report no national increase in acetaminophen related exposures this year. Annual acetaminophen exposure cases have remained generally consistent since 2023. To-date, 2025 acetaminophen data is also comparable with the same timeframe in 2024. Poison Centers typically observe the highest numbers of acetaminophen exposures during the fall and winter months due to cold and flu season.

Acetaminophen has long been recognized as a safe and effective medication for relieving pain and reducing fever. However, it is one of the most common substances reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers. Nearly 60% of exposures involve children and teens (19 years and younger), most often due to accidental ingestions or dosing errors. Acetaminophen exposures are more frequently reported in females (61%), and fewer than 1% of cases involve pregnant patients.

While acetaminophen poisoning can be life-threatening, most accidental exposures can be safely managed at home with guidance from a poison center. Severe poisoning is more often associated with intentional self-harm, though many of these patients can be successfully treated in the hospital with the highly effective antidote, N-Acetylcysteine.

To use acetaminophen safely America’s Poison Centers encourages the following:

• Never take more than the recommended daily dose.
• Double check and document doses given to children.
• Check the ingredient list on over-the-counter and prescription products for acetaminophen.
• Store acetaminophen products in their original container, up, away and out-of-reach of children.
• Call Poison Help (1-800-222-1222) right away if you think too much acetaminophen was taken or a dosing mistake occurred. Visit PoisonHelp.org for online support and resources.

NOTE: 2025 is an incomplete data year. (January 1-September 30) If citing data, cite all data provided as sourced by America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System.

AMA Recommended Citation: America’s Poison Centers. America’s Poison Centers National Poison Data System. Accessed [Month Day, Year]. https://www.npds.us/