Paracetamol Overdose

Question 1

What is a fatal dose of paracetamol in adults. (2)

Answer 1

150mg/kg or 12g.

Question 2

How much paracetamol is commonly found in 1 tablet.

Answer 2

500mg.

Question 3

What are the symptoms of paracetamol poisoning. (6)

Answer 3

None initially, or vomiting and RUQ pain.
Later: jaundice and encephalopathy.
There may be acute kidney injury.

Question 4

What is the main danger from paracetamol poisoning.

Answer 4

Encephalopathy from the liver damage.

Question 5

What enzyme is responsible for removal of paracetamol.

Answer 5

Glutathione.

Question 6

What occurs in paracetamol overdose to glutathione.

Answer 6

The glutathione reserves become exhausted.

Question 7

What does the severity of paracetamol poisoning depend on.

Answer 7

The severity of paracetamol poisoning is dose related.

Question 8

When is liver damage due to paracetamol overdose detectable on LFT tests.

Answer 8

Usually not detectable until at least 18hours after ingestion of the drug.

Question 9

What is AKI in paracetamol poisoning due to.

Answer 9

Acute tubular necrosis.

Question 10

What percentage of paracetamol overdose patients experience AKI.

Answer 10

25%.