Paracetamol poisoning – Paracetamol overdose

Description paracetamol poisoning

Paracetamol poisoning (acetoaminofenom) – overdose of nonprescription painkillers, containing acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol). These drugs It is usually safe when used as recommended. The maximum daily dose of acetaminophen is four grams. Patients with chronic diseases (especially liver disease), perhaps, You should limit itself to three grams per day. Acetaminophen poisoning may occur as a result of receiving a large dose or chronic overdoses.

Reasons for paracetamol poisoning

An overdose of acetaminophen can result from:

• Intentional overdose (eg, suicide attempt);
• Accidental overdose (eg, young children, the appointment of incorrect doses, or alcohol abuse);
• Combination medicaments, soderzhashtih paracetamol (Acetaminophen has a composition of many drugs, eg paracetamol and codeine, as well as aspirin and acetaminophen);
• Paracetamol to patients with hepatic insufficiency, who do not adhere to the recommended doses.

Risk factors

The following factors increase the risk of paracetamol poisoning:

• Age: 15-24 years or older 40 years (People over 40 years, will have more serious consequences);
• Paul: female;
• Suicidal.

Symptoms of paracetamol poisoning

Symptoms include:

• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Excessive sweating;
• Pale skin.

Symptoms of liver failure:

• Anorexia;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Malaise;
• Abdominal pain (especially in the upper right part of the abdomen);
• Pale skin;
• Excessive sweating;
• Jaundice;
• Stupor.

Diagnostics

For the diagnosis is necessary to pass the following tests;

• Blood tests, to determine the level of paracetamol in the blood and to determine liver function (eg, Tests liver enzymes, coagulation tests);
• Matthew nomogram-Rumakk – assess the effect of paracetamol on the liver. The test measures the blood levels of acetaminophen with respect to the time after drug administration.

Treatment

Treatment may include the following procedures:

Monitoring

For children, which have a relatively low level of paracetamol in the blood, It can be recommended to control at home.

Activated carbon

It is recommended to take activated charcoal. It can prevent the absorption of the acetaminophen in the gastrointestinal tract. Priiem made orally.

N-ацетилцистеин

In most cases, N-ацетилцистеин, amino acid, Assign inside orally or intravenously as an antidote.

When paracetamol poisoning should follow the doctor's instructions.

Prevention

To avoid acetaminophen poisoning must adhere to the following rules:

• You must follow the instructions on taking medications, soderzhashtih paracetamol;
• Do not substitute sustained release formulations for drugs without changing fast dosage;
• Upon receipt of the combined preparations to pay attention to the presence in the paracetamol;
• Avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol.