Paracetamol Overdose Flashcards
1
Q
Define paracetamol overdose
A
> 4g (or 75mg/kg)
in 24h
2
Q
What are the risk factors of paracetamol overdose?
A
- Chronic alcohol abusers
- Patients on enzyme-inducing drugs (e.g. anticonvulsants)
- Malnourished
- Anorexia nervosa
- HIV
- Paracetamol overdose is commonly associated with ingestion of large amounts of alcohol
3
Q
What are the symptoms of paracetamol overdose?
A
Hepatotoxicity 2-3 days after ingestion • Asymptomatic • N&V • Abdominal pain
4
Q
What are the signs of paracetamol overdose?
A
- RUQ tenderness
- Jaundice *
- Hepatic encephalopathy *
5
Q
What investigations are carried out for paracetamol overdose?
A
- paracetamol levels
* FBC, U&Es, Glucose, LFTs, Clotting Screen, Lactate and ABG