Had a really bad cold, took some of the liquid Tylenol stuff, about 4, 30mL doses 6 hours between each. On day 2 I had what I believe is a bad allergic reaction, I’ve broken out in painful hives and blisters on my hands and face. I kept scratching during the night and made it worse. I am aware sometimes people can get Steven-Johnson syndrome but is that one of those things that pretty much progresses immediately. Should I go to the emergency room or should I be ok since I haven’t taken anymore Tylenol since last night? Will taking Benadryl speed up recovery from these hives or could that make things worse?
IANAD, but I should call hospital emergency immediately, before possibly making things even worse by self-medication.
Also, what strength is the “liquid Tylenol stuff”? Acetaminophen is something you don’t want to overdose!
Allergies to acetaminophen/diphenhydramine are relatively rare, but if you are experiencing obvious allergic symptoms you need to be seen by a doctor ASAP.
THIS IS SERIOUS.
GO. RIGHT. NOW.
.
Most likely, you are allergic to one of the excipient ingredients, most likely the dye. They’ll know more at the hospital.
I agree - go to the ER now, and have someone drive you there. Call a cab if you don’t have anyone handy, or 911 if you’re having ANY throat tingling or difficulty breathing.
p.s. If you see this post, take the bottle with you.
And report back, please.
Moderator Action
Since this concerns a real-world medical issue, it is better suited to IMHO.
(and hopefully you are on your way to the ER and aren’t reading this)
Moving thread from GQ to IMHO.
That is definitely emergency room material. It may not be the Tylenol at all but something really bad is going on and may get worse the longer you wait. Go to the emergency room…as in now.
My standard rule has always been if you have to ask, “Should I go to the ER or not?” the answer is always, “GO TO THE ER!”
And when you get home, report this to the FDA, or, at the very least, to JNJ:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm?action=reporting.home
https://www.ccc-consumercarecenter.com/UCUConfiguration?id=a0758000004NIae
Yes, this does exist–the wife has a Tylenol allergic reaction. She is also allergic to most everything on the planet. Raisins? But not grapes. Grape juice, but not wine, etc.
Steven-Johnson syndrome?
Yeah. Hospital. Now!
Turns out there was no allergic reaction. This is still terrible though. I’ve been diagnosed with head, foot, and mouth disease. It’s just a virus so it will just have to clear up on its own. I can’t say I’ve ever experienced this much pain from from a skin thing. My hands and feet feel like they are on fire, it hurts to open or close my hands or even to walk. Didn’t sleep at all last night because of the pain and itchiness. THIS SUCKS!!! Also had to cancel a vacation I was really looking forward to, sigh.
Oh dear, that is awful. I’m so sorry. 
How does one contract this?
Oh my goodness. My (adult) son and I had that a few years ago and it was MISERABLE. I’m so sorry. Rest and feel better soon.
It’s a virus, and it’s usually spread by kids. My son caught it at a one year old’s birthday party and brought it to me. Apparently it goes through daycares like wildfire.
That’s awful! I’m so sorry about this and about your vacation. I did have a co-worker whose kid got this.
My daughter had that when she was young. She never broke out in hives or anything but her little tongue was so sore she was on a popsicle diet for awhile. I know my bil picked it up from one of his kids awhile ago and he had it much worse than the little one. I’ve heard it’s one of those things like chicken pox, it’s worse in adults than kids. I really hope you feel better soon. Try to get lots of rest and keep us posted how you are feeling. I feel awful for you.
Thanks for the well wishes guys, it actually does make me feel a little bit better. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemies.
I’m glad you went and got a diagnosis. Did they give you my meds to helping with the itching?
This is the time for real pain meds, IMO.