Paracetamol is being widely used as the analgesic for the treatment of headaches, dysmenorrhea and for pain relief. Poisoning can occur when used in large amounts.It causes acute hepatic failure, &its mortality rate is significant Clinical features:- Nausea, vomiting & abdominal pain Jaundice may appear within 4-5 days Liver enlargement &a tender Liver failure Renal failure Biochemical findings Paracetamol level of blood Liver function tests: SGOT,SGPT, level increased . Bilirubin content is high Management:-- Supportive therapy Prevention can be tried by giving acetylcysteine Paracetamol causes liver damage due to its potentially toxic metabolites.
These metabolites are usually made harmless by conjugation with glutathione in liver cells. In overdose, the glutathione is depleted & liver damage occurs. Acetylcysteine prevents glutathione depletion and also inhibits…
