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What is the treatment for paracetamol poisoning?

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What is the treatment for paracetamol poisoning?

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At November 28, 2016
Reviewed AtJanuary 13, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My friend took 4 g of Paracetamol yesterday morning for back pain. Then, he visited the hospital yesterday evening for Paracetamol poisoning. What is the treatment for this situation?

Answered by Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com. More than 3.5 g of Acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity. But, one time dose should not cause too much harm. Technically, if it is more than two to four days, then the accumulative effect is dangerous. Since he went late, I doubt that he would have received the activated charcoal. The drug choice is N-Acetylcysteine. The treatment is aimed at removing the Acetaminophen from the circulation and replacing it by glutathione. This antidote Acetylcysteine acts as a precursor for glutathione. It helps to prevent damage to the liver. N-acetylcysteine can neutralize NAPQI (N-Acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine) by itself, which is an active metabolite of Paracetamol causing the main damage. There are protocols using N-Acetylcysteine that can be followed to help prevent progression of the disease, but it depends upon the hospital if they have adopted it or not.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sadaf Mustafa
Dr. Sadaf Mustafa

Internal Medicine

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