Paracetamol overdose: Difference between revisions
Kingrajinix (talk | contribs) (New page: This page is about the medical treatment of paracetamol overdose. If you want to know more about suicide and self-harm in general, click on those blue links. ===Definition=== Takin...) |
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This page is about the medical treatment of paracetamol overdose. | This page is about the medical treatment of paracetamol overdose. Visit [[suicide]] if you want to find more about the mental health aspect of paracetamol overdose. | ||
===Definition=== | ===Definition=== | ||
Taking more than the recommended amount of paracetamol. (2x500mg, 4 times a day with 6 hour gaps between each dose). | Taking more than the recommended amount of paracetamol. (2x500mg, 4 times a day with 6 hour gaps between each dose). | ||
===Epidemiology=== | ===Epidemiology=== | ||
[[image:common.jpg|left]] | [[image:common.jpg|left]] | ||
I think the big red thing covers it. It's more common in girls because it's generally a form of [[parasuicide]] but blokes do it too. | |||
===Pathophysiology=== | ===Pathophysiology=== | ||
Basically, paracetamol is metabolised by conjugation with two chemicals called ''sulfate'' and ''glucuronide''; some is oxidised by the '''cytochrome P450 enzyme''' system. Producing a substance called '''NAPQI''' which is metabolised by '''glutathione'''. <br><br> | |||
In high levels, the glutathione runs out, leaving NAPQI floating around the liver. '''NAPQI kills liver cells'' i.e. it's hepatotoxic. This is what does the damage. | |||
===Risk Factors=== | ===Risk Factors=== | ||
===Clinical Features=== | ===Clinical Features=== | ||
Revision as of 16:43, 13 September 2009
This page is about the medical treatment of paracetamol overdose. Visit suicide if you want to find more about the mental health aspect of paracetamol overdose.
Definition
Taking more than the recommended amount of paracetamol. (2x500mg, 4 times a day with 6 hour gaps between each dose).
Epidemiology
I think the big red thing covers it. It's more common in girls because it's generally a form of parasuicide but blokes do it too.
Pathophysiology
Basically, paracetamol is metabolised by conjugation with two chemicals called sulfate and glucuronide; some is oxidised by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. Producing a substance called NAPQI which is metabolised by glutathione.
In high levels, the glutathione runs out, leaving NAPQI floating around the liver. 'NAPQI kills liver cells i.e. it's hepatotoxic. This is what does the damage.