Paracetamol Intoxication

Overview

The authors describe the possibility of acetaminophen intoxication that is becoming more and more frequent due to an easy availability of the drugand extending awareness of its toxicityAfter an overdose serious hepatic impairment, even fulminant hepatic failure may occur. Acetaminophen toxicity also affects the kidney, pancreasand heart muscle. The treatment is based on the reduction of acetaminophen absorption with t he aid of gastric lavage and active coal administration,and on the use of a specific antidote, N-acetylcystein. Liver transplantation should be considered in patient population with fulminant hepatic failure.

Key words:
paracetamol toxicity - parenchymatose organ damage - antidotes - elimination