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A small pill can actually cause multiple organ failure! Do you understand the consequences of an overdose?
Many people take painkillers haphazardly in their daily lives, especially the widely available acetaminophen (Paracetamol or Acetaminophen). However, if this tiny drug is accidentally used in excess of the recommended dose, it may cause serious health consequences and even multiple organ failure. This article will take a closer look at the root causes of acetaminophen poisoning and its effects.
"Most people experience few specific symptoms within the first 24 hours after an overdose, making intoxication more difficult to detect."
Symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning
Symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning typically occur in three stages. The first stage occurs within a few hours after an overdose. Although reactions such as nausea, vomiting, pallor, and sweating may occur, the patient often has no obvious symptoms. The second stage occurs within 24 to 72 hours, when the patient begins to show signs of liver damage, with liver function indicators such as ALT and AST becoming abnormally elevated, affecting the liver's biochemical markers. Finally, in the third stage, if the liver is severely damaged, complications such as liver failure, hypoglycemia, and kidney failure may occur.
Causes of Acetaminophen Poisoning
The dangerous dose of acetaminophen for poisoning is highly variable. The maximum recommended daily dose for healthy adults is 4 grams. A single dose exceeding 10 grams or 200 mg/kg body weight may cause poisoning. In addition, chronic alcoholics, malnourished people, and those taking other hepatotoxic drugs are more likely to be affected.
“The liver damage is not caused by acetaminophen itself, but by its metabolite NAPQI.”
Diagnosis and testing
The diagnosis of acetaminophen poisoning relies primarily on blood tests. The blood sample collected will be measured for acetaminophen levels to assess the possibility of liver damage. Typically, the Rumack-Matthew diagram is an important tool used to predict the risk of poisoning. Blood tests done within the first four hours after an overdose may give a falsely low result, so blood tests should be done after four hours.
Treatment methods
For acetaminophen overdose, the primary treatment is gastrointestinal detoxification. The best effect is achieved if detoxification can be performed within two hours of taking the drug. The most common method of detoxification is to take activated charcoal because it effectively adsorbs drugs and reduces intestinal absorption.
"N-acetylcysteine can effectively replenish the antioxidant glutathione in the body, thereby reducing the toxicity caused by acetaminophen."
Precautions
Due to the high number of poisonings caused by acetaminophen, some countries have tried to restrict its sale. In the UK, restrictions on the sale of acetaminophen in pharmacies have significantly reduced deaths from overdoses.
There are more than 100,000 cases of acetaminophen poisoning in the US each year and it is the drug causing the most overdoses in the UK. Young children, in particular, are most susceptible to this condition.
Have you ever considered the hidden dangers of this little pill in your life?
