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Paracetamol toxicity
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Pharmacology

Toxicology

Environmental and chemical toxicities
Arsenic poisoning
Cyanide poisoning
Lead poisoning
Methemoglobinemia
Ethylene glycol poisoning
Mercury poisoning
Medication toxicities and overdoses
Paracetamol toxicity
Serotonin syndrome
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Toxicology review
Medication overdoses and toxicities: Pathology review
Environmental and chemical toxicities: Pathology review

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Paracetamol toxicity

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High Yield Notes
15 pages
Flashcards

Paracetamol toxicity

8 flashcards
Questions

USMLE® Step 1 style questions USMLE

2 questions
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A 16-year-old boy is brought to the emergency department for evaluation of severe abdominal pain,  nausea, and vomiting. The pain started three hours ago and has been increasing in severity. The patient admits to swallowing 30 pills of acetaminophen in an attempt to end his life. Temperature is 37.9 C° (100.2 F°), respirations are 15/minute, pulse is 92/minute, and blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg.  On physical examination, right upper quadrant tenderness is noted. Which of the following best describes the pathophysiologic process underlying this medication toxicity? 

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Summary

Paracetamol toxicity, also known as acetaminophen toxicity, is caused by excessive use or overdose of the analgesic drug paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen in North America. Paracetamol toxicity can lead to liver damage and, in severe cases, liver failure.

People with paracetamol toxicity present with nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Treatment may involve administering N-acetylcysteine within 8 hours of the ingestion. It can also involve hemodialysis and liver transplant in case of severe liver damage.