Paracetamol Poisoning – Review

Abstract

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is included in more than 200 medicines of various trade names, including numerous preparations for children used as analgesic and antipyretic drugs. Poisoning usually occurs after taking a large single dose of paracetamol or combination paracetamol-containing preparations, and as a result of prolonged use of paracetamol in smaller doses by persons with increased sensitivity, alcohol abuse, diet error, or in combination with drugs, which affect its metabolism in the liver. Paracetamol poisoning is among the intoxications that have a latent period. Clinical manifestations of acute poisoning develop in stages. The intensity of the initial symptoms does not always determine the outcome of the disease. Paracetamol poisoning is a common cause of liver damage and is a leading etiologic factor in acute liver failure. The worldwide spread of poisoning with this drug is epidemic.