Idiosyncratic Drug Reaction: A Rare Mechanism of Acute Tylenol Toxicity

Abstract

Acetaminophen (APAP) is perhaps the most commonly used drug both inside and outside the hospital due to its relative safety and over-the-counter availability. Despite its safety, it can cause drug-related side effects, especially acute liver injury that can be unpredictable. Additionally, due to its variable, delayed and nonspecific symptomatology, it can pose a significant diagnostic challenge. Due to potential reversibility with an antidote and adverse outcome related to liver failure, timely recognition and treatment is key in suspected toxicity. Here we present a case of a young female who presented for the evaluation of seizure and found to have APAP-related liver failure with only 2 g of APAP taken over two days duration.