Paracetamol overdose Flashcards
what may paracetamol be called in other countries?
acetaminophen
what is the max dose of paracetamol in 24 hrs?
4g/24 hrs
what would be considered an acute overdose?
excessive intake in <1hr- common in self harm
what is the max dose in mg/kg in 24 hrs
75mg/kg/24hrs
if over 110kg use 110kg to avoid underestimating
what are some common examples of medicines containing paracetemol?
lemsip
solpedine
panadol
nightnurse
sudafed
co-codamol
dihydrocodeine
anadin
paramol
co-dydramol
capake
what would be considered severe toxicity?
150mg/kg/24hrs
what deficiency puts you at higher risk of liver damage?
glutathione deficiency
who is at risk of glutathione deficiency?
malnourished-eating disorders
psychiatric disorders
chronic diseases-liver, CF, HIV
high alcohol use
what enzyme can long term medication affect that puts you at high risk of liver damage?
cytochrome p450 inducers
what are examples of medications that induce cytochrome p450 enzymes?
antiepileptics/anticonvulsants (car,lev, lam, zon, gab, pre, top,)
antibiotics- but NOT amoxicillin
barbiturates- anti depressents primidone
anti-virals
st johns wort
what are common signs of excess in 1st 24 hrs
could be asymptomatic
-abdominal pain
-nausea/vomiting
what are signs of acute liver injury?
URQ-liver pain
jaundice
hepatomegaly
loin pain
who should be referred for medical assessment (3 things)
-symptomatic pts
-more than 4g/24hrs AND more than 75mg/kg/24hrs
-more than 4g/24hrs but less than 75mg/kg on preceding 2 days
who do you contact for advice on overdose?
A&E
national poison information service
how many mg’s are common in 1 paracetamol tablet?
500mg
