How soon after Tylenol ingestion can liver failure symptoms appear?

Liver failure symptoms following Tylenol (acetaminophen) ingestion can indeed manifest up to a week after ingestion, particularly in cases of overdose. This is significant because acetaminophen is metabolized primarily in the liver. In normal dosing scenarios, it is relatively safe; however, excessive doses can lead to hepatotoxicity due to the accumulation of a toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI).

After overdose, initial symptoms might be nonspecific, such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, which can lead some to underestimate the situation. It often takes several days for the full extent of liver damage to become apparent, with signs of liver failure such as jaundice, confusion due to hepatic encephalopathy, and coagulopathy occurring as liver function deteriorates. This progression allows the development of severe complications, leading to acute liver failure, which can manifest up to a week after the toxic dose.

This timeline underscores the importance of timely medical intervention after suspected acetaminophen overdose, as prompt treatment can mitigate liver damage and improve patient outcomes. The other timeframes are generally too soon for noticeable liver failure symptoms to appear, which is why the correct choice reflects a longer duration post-ingestion.