Paracetamol (acetaminophen), is a widely used over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. However, when it is taken in a recommended dose, it can help to manage the disease symptoms, but when it exceeds the recommended dose, it can lead to various health consequences in individuals. Paracetamol overdosing is a commonly occurring overdosing problem all over the world, which can lead to liver failure if not promptly treated.It is estimated that paracetamol doses greater than 150 mg/kg are likely to be associated with serious adverse reactions in individuals. The easy accessibility and lack of awareness can lead to an overdose of acetaminophen. Today, we are going to discuss paracetamol overdose and the ways of identifying it.
Symptoms of paracetamol overdose
Initially, there were no symptoms of paracetamol poisoning. But after a few hours, you may feel sick, and you may have a liver problem only after 24 hours.
Paracetamol overdose can cause the following symptoms, which are given below:
- Vomiting: The individual may experience vomiting after a paracetamol overdose.
- Encephalopathy: Individuals may have memory loss, confusion, and even coma if untreated properly.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Patients may experience sweating, trembling, and irritability due to a low blood sugar level.
- Breathing problem: Individuals may have a breathing problem due to an acid build-up in the blood.
- Yellowing of the eyes and skin: Patients may experience a yellow of the skin and eyes due to liver failure.
What to Discuss With Your Doctor for Informed Healthcare
- Inform your doctor about the number of tablets you have taken.
- Inform your doctor at which time you have taken the overdose.
- Inform the patient that the medicine was in tablet, capsule, liquid, or soluble form.
- Inform your doctor that you have taken any other tablets along with it.
- Inform your doctor whether you took any alcohol at the same time.
Diagnosis
Paracetamol poisoning can be assessed by the following diagnosis methods, which are given below:
- Liver function test: Your doctor may advise you to do a liver function test to diagnose the damage that was caused by the overdosed paracetamol.
- Prothrombin time: You may suggest undergoing a blood clotting test to find the rise in prothrombin time.
- Renal function tests: Your doctor may suggest you do a kidney function test to assess whether any damage occurred during overdosage.
- Blood sugar levels: Your healthcare provider may recommend you to do the blood sugar test during the paracetamol overdosage.
- Arterial blood gas: You may suggest an arterial blood gas test to analyze the blood acid level in your body.
Treatment for paracetamol poisoning
If you have a paracetamol overdose, it is important to treat you as soon as possible to avoid the complications caused by the drug. Some of the paracetamol poisoning treatments are given below:
1. Emergency Medical Care:
It is recommended to call emergency service (112 for India or 911 outside India) immediately. It will help you get the treatment promptly without further delay.
2. Activated Charcoal Administration:
Oral-activated charcoal can be effective in treating paracetamol poisoning in individuals. It effectively reduces the drug absorption when administered within one hour of the drug (ingestion).
3. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) Treatment:
It is an antidote for the paracetamol overdose in individuals. It is recommended to administer it as soon as possible to attain the best result. It helps to prevent liver damage in the patients.
For example, the Nefrosave forte tablet consists of the active substances N-acetylcysteine 300mg and pyridoxamine dihydrochloride 50mg. It is used in the management of diabetic nephropathy and as an antidote for paracetamol poisoning by replenishing the depleted glutathione levels in the liver.
4. Liver Transplant (in extreme cases):
If you have taken a paracetamol overdose for more than one day and have not received treatment with the antidote, there is an increased risk of liver damage. In that case, you need liver transplantation to replace the damaged liver, which was caused by paracetamol poisoning.
Conclusion
It is recommended to be honest with your healthcare to get an appropriate treatment and prevent the risk effect caused by the drug poisoning. Do not attempt to treat paracetamol poisoning at home without professional guidance. Even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, seek medical attention if you suspect an overdose.
