PARACETAMOL OD Flashcards
what does the recommended therapeutic dose of paracetamol depend on?
ADULTS = max dose in 24 hrs is 4 grams
What is an ACUTE paracetamol overdose?
EXCESSIVE INGESTION over a period of less than one hour in the context of self harm
What is STAGGERED paracetamol overdose
Excessive ingestion over more than one hour in the context of TREATING PAIN (therapeutic overdose)
- this can also occur with the intent of self-harm
What is the typical presentation of therapeutic paracetamol excess
- most pts are asymptomatic or only have mild GI symptoms at initial presentation
- Untreated excess ingestion may cause varying degrees of liver injury
What are the common signs of excess within the first 24 hours ?
- nausea and vomiting
- general abdominal pain
What are the signs of ACUTE liver injury
- abdominal pain
- jaundice - sign of acute liver injury
- hepatomegaly (enlargement of liver)
What are the high risk groups for a glutathione deficiency?(4)
these patients are at a higher risk of liver injury, secondary to paracetamol excess.
Patients at risk include:
- Malnourishment (eating disorder)
- Psychiatric disorders
- chronic disease (HIV, Cystic fibrosis, liver disease)
- alcohol-use disorder
What is the REVERSIBLE DRUG called for a paracetamol overdose?
ACETYLCYSTEINE