GUIDELINES FOR PARACETAMOL POISONING TREATMENT

• Main Authors: Lucija Sarc, Marija Jamsek, Damjan Grenc, Miran Brvar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Slovenian Medical Association 2014-04-01
• Series: Zdravniški Vestnik
• Subjects: acetaminophene, paracetamol, N-acetycysteine, liver injury
• Online Access: http://vestnik.szd.si/index.php/ZdravVest/article/view/974

<p>Paracetamol overdose results in an accumulation of the reactive, hepatotoxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimin (NAPKQI) which can cause serious liver injury. Recognition of paracetamol overdose, hepatotoxicity risk estimation and early treatment are crutial in paracetamol poisoniong management. In ingestion of potential hepatotoxic dose of paracetamol decontamination and early treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) are indicated. Both, 20-hours intravenous and 72-hurs oral regimes of NAC administration are successful. By antidote regime selection we should consider patient condition and time after paracetamol overdose. In severe hepatotoxicity, criteria for liver transplantation should be regularly evaluated and mechanisms for liver transplantation must be activated in time.</p><p> </p>