Paracetamol Flashcards
1
Q
Why do patients who have taken a paracetamol overdose need to be transferred to hospital urgently?
A
The only signs will be vomiting and nausea which will pass after the first 24 hours.
Liver damage is maximal 3-4 days after paracetamol overdose and may lead to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia and death.
2
Q
When can acetyl cysteine be used to protect the liver in paracetamol poisoning?
A
It protects the liver if infused up to, and possibly beyond, 24 hours of ingesting paracetamol. It is most effective if given with 8 hours of ingestion, after which effectiveness declines.
3
Q
For paracetamol overdosage, how is acetyl cysteine given?
A
In a total dose that is divided into 3 consecutive intravenous infusions over a total of 21 hours.
