iCliniq Logo
HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinepoisoning

How can you tell the difference between food poisoning or possible Acetaminophen poisoning?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

How can you tell the difference between food poisoning or possible Acetaminophen poisoning? I ask this because I used the internet to look up for my symptoms. And it is two days since when my symptoms started. I took 4 tablets of Tylenol rapid release and an hour before that I had tablet Tylenol Cold for my cold which I have had for the past 3 days. Now I have a very sour stomach for the past two days. Yesterday I was vomiting and having frequent bowel movements. I have only had water and antacid since yesterday around 10 PM. Today I had a medium rare prime rib with steamed veggies and a salad, then when I was back home, I had a cup of egg nog.

Answered by Dr. Divakara. P

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • The active ingredient in tablet tylenol is Paracetamol also known as Acetaminophen.
  • So I will tell that you do not have Paracetamol poisoning and it is food poisoning.
  • Also the number of tablets needed to cause Paracetamol poisoning is less in your case.
  • But still I would like to know the dose of Tylenol tablets which you had taken.
  • You may require antibiotic therapy if vomiting or loose motion persists.

Hope you find this information useful. For any clarifications feel free to ask a general medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/general-medicine-physician

Answered byDr. Divakara. P

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At October 31, 2014
Reviewed AtFebruary 6, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Divakara. P
Dr. Divakara. P

Internal Medicine

Consult this doctor
Listen to related tracks in our music library

Related Questions

Can I take Paracetamol tablets for my severe tooth pain?

How can loose stools and a lot of gas released from the anus be treated?

Watery Diarrhea - Not Always Due to Food Poisoning

If I had six Paracetamol tablets and seven of Mefenamic acid, how bad can it be?

My baby often has loose stools. What medicines should I give him?

How can you tell the difference between food poisoning or possible Acetaminophen poisoning?

Read answers about:

paracetamolacetaminophenvomitingfood poisoningpoisoning

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Trustpilot

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.