What causes toxic liver failure?

The most common cause of toxic liver failure is excessive ingestion (overdose) of acetaminophen (Tylenol). It is important to recognize the diagnosis promptly because there is a specific medical treatment (N-acetylcysteine) which, if given promptly, usually prevents the worst complications and results in a good outcome.

Neurologic symptoms such as disorientation, irritability and vomiting can occur and in more severe cases, coma and increased intracranial pressure, episodes of bleeding, unstable blood pressure, severe breathing problems, low sugar levels in the blood, kidney failure and infection may occur. Occasionally patients may require liver transplantation if the liver is severely damaged.