Citation

Vale A. Medicine (Abingdon) 2012; 40(3): 144-146.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Medicine Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.mpmed.2011.12.010

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Paracetamol poisoning is common. If untreated, liver and/or renal failure may develop. The administration of acetylcysteine within 8-10 hours of overdose will minimize or prevent hepatic damage and ensure survival irrespective of the magnitude of the ingestion. Important prognostic factors are the international normalized ratio (INR), pH and plasma creatinine concentration.