AAPCC - American Association of Poison Control Centers

10/23/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/23/2025 07:39

U.S. Poison Centers Report No National Increase in Acetaminophen Exposures

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.

Acetaminophen Exposure Cases Reported to U.S. Poison Centers

January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2025

Result Type

2023

2024

2025*

N

%

N

%

N

%

Total Cases

90,846

90,592

69,713

Age Range (years)

Pediatric <=19

52,855

58.2

51,769

57.2

38,615

55.4

Adult >= 20

37,703

41.5

38,536

42.5

30,905

44.3

Unknown age

288

0.3

287

0.3

193

0.3

Gender

Female

56,063

61.7

55,666

61.5

42,638

61.2

Male

34,454

37.9

34,627

38.2

26,859

38.5

Unknown

329

0.4

299

0.3

216

0.3

*Incomplete data year: January 1, 2025 - September 30, 2025

Exposures do not always result in poisoning or illness.

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/

AAPCC - American Association of Poison Control Centers published this content on October 23, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 23, 2025 at 13:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]