Alcohol-acetaminophen syndrome - Even moderate social drinkers are at risk

Long-time alcohol users who take acetaminophen in therapeutic or modestly excessive doses are at risk for severe hepatic injury and possibly acute liver failure. Diagnosis may be difficult because presenting symptoms are vague. The authors review management of acetaminophen toxicity in both users and nonusers of alcohol and emphasize the need for greater awareness among healthcare providers and acetaminophen users of this preventable and treatable condition.