Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 13, 2026

High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)
11:38

High Content Screening Analysis to Evaluate the Toxicological Effects of Harmful and Potentially Harmful Constituents (HPHC)

Published on: May 10, 2016

Children's acetaminophen exposures reported to a regional poison control center

Mallik V Angalakuditi1, Kim C Coley, Edward P Krenzelok

  • 1School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. hydmallik02@hotmail.com

American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy : AJHP : Official Journal of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
|February 3, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Most acetaminophen exposures in children under six were unintentional, while older children (over 12) experienced intentional overdoses. This highlights differing acetaminophen exposure patterns by age group.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pediatric Emergency Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Acetaminophen is a common over-the-counter medication for pain and fever.
  • Accidental and intentional overdoses in children pose significant health risks.
  • Understanding exposure patterns is crucial for prevention and intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze patient characteristics, doses, and exposure types in pediatric acetaminophen ingestions.
  • To investigate age-specific trends in acetaminophen-related exposures reported to a regional poison control center.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of acetaminophen exposures in children (<18 years) from 2000-2003.
  • Categorization of children into three age groups: <6 years, 6-12 years, and 13-17 years.
  • Collection of demographic, drug, exposure type, and caller data.

Main Results:

  • Acetaminophen exposures were most frequent in children under six (76%).
  • Unintentional ingestions predominated in younger children (<12 years).
  • Intentional overdoses were prevalent in adolescents (13-17 years, 91%), particularly females, with high doses (>200 mg/kg) reported in 47%.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric acetaminophen exposures show distinct age-related patterns.
  • Younger children are more prone to unintentional ingestions.
  • Adolescents, especially females, are at higher risk for intentional acetaminophen overdoses.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Potential Scenarios

Pharmaceutical poisoning can occur through various channels, impacting an estimated 2 million hospitalized patients in the U.S. annually with serious adverse drug responses. These scenarios encompass both therapeutic uses, such as drug toxicity, where even standard dosages can lead to severe central nervous system depression, and non-therapeutic exposures, including accidental ingestion by children, and environmental and occupational exposures.Unintentional poisonings often involve exploratory...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment01:26

Anticholinesterase Agents: Poisoning and Treatment

Anticholinesterases, also known as cholinesterase inhibitors, work by blocking the breakdown of acetylcholine, leading to its accumulation in the synaptic cleft. This accumulation indirectly enhances both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. These agents are classified as reversible or irreversible based on their mechanism of action.     
Irreversible agents form a strong bond with the cholinesterase enzyme, making it inactive. The breakdown of the phosphorylated enzyme is slower than the...
Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies01:26

Pharmaceutical Poisoning: Treatment Strategies

Treatment strategies for poisoning are a critical aspect of emergency medicine, focusing on preventing the absorption of toxins and enhancing their elimination. When a poisoning incident occurs, the first response is to halt exposure and decontaminate the patient, particularly through gastrointestinal (GI) methods if the poison was ingested.Gastrointestinal Decontamination Techniques:Activated charcoal is the cornerstone of GI decontamination. It works through adsorption, binding the toxin to...