Paracetamol overdose: Difference between revisions
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===Pathophysiology=== | ===Pathophysiology=== | ||
Basically, paracetamol is metabolised by conjugation with two chemicals called ''sulfate'' and ''glucuronide''; some is oxidised by the '''cytochrome P450 enzyme''' system. When sulfate and glucuronide run out, P450 takes over completely. THe '''P450''' system '''produces''' a substance called '''NAPQI''' which is '''metabolised by glutathione''', found in the liver cells. <br><br> | Basically, paracetamol is metabolised by conjugation with two chemicals called ''sulfate'' and ''glucuronide''; some is oxidised by the '''cytochrome P450 enzyme''' system. When sulfate and glucuronide run out, P450 takes over completely. THe '''P450''' system '''produces''' a substance called '''NAPQI''' which is '''metabolised by glutathione''', found in the liver cells. <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. | 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. | ||
<br><br> | <br><br> | ||
(NAPQI stands for ''N''-acetyl-''p''-benzoquinoneimine just in case it comes up in a pub quiz.) | (NAPQI stands for ''N''-acetyl-''p''-benzoquinoneimine just in case it comes up in a pub quiz.) | ||
Revision as of 16:50, 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. When sulfate and glucuronide run out, P450 takes over completely. THe P450 system produces a substance called NAPQI which is metabolised by glutathione, found in the liver cells.
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.
(NAPQI stands for N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine just in case it comes up in a pub quiz.)