Paracetamol Poisoning: A Global Concern

• Paracetamol poisoning is a significant issue worldwide, causing over 60,000 emergency hospital visits and over 500 deaths annually.

• Despite its scale, it is often overlooked due to its reputation as a “safe” drug.

• Paracetamol relieves pain by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which amplify pain. It targets the hypothalamus, the brain’s heat-regulating center for fever reduction.

• The maximum safe dose for adults is up to 4 grams per day, while for children, it’s 140 mg per kilogram of body weight.

• Overdose can lead to severe abdominal pain and liver failure.

• The liver processes most of the paracetamol, with the remaining 5-10% turning into a toxic substance called N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI).

• The antidote for paracetamol poisoning is N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which replenishes the body’s glutinoside reserves and neutralizes NAPQI.

• Treatment is most effective when administered within eight hours of the overdose.