Determined the epidemiology of various types of acetaminophen poisoning & analyzed their outcome compared with their admission characteristics. Of the 93 patients studied, 80 were classified as suicidal & 13 had accidentally poisoned themselves in an attempt to relieve pain. There was a 2:1 female to male ratio. Patients admitted for accidental overdoses were at higher risk of mortality than those admitted for overdoses with suicidal intent. (25 refs)