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Over-the-Counter Pain Management Gone Awry Acetaminophen Poisoning

Over-the-Counter Pain Management Gone Awry Acetaminophen Poisoning Acetaminophen is one of the most popular nonnarcotic analgesic–antipyretic agents available. In- appropriate use of this agent can lead to significant morbidity and mortality secondary to hepatic necrosis. Several patient-specific factors impact its metabolism and the subsequent production of its toxic metabolite when consumed in excess. Rapid diagnosis and treatment with N-acetylcysteine in the first few hours following overdose is imperative in preventing permanent hepatic damage and death. It is essential for all health care providers to be familiar with the etiology and pro- gression of this poisoning, as well as the necessary steps in treatment, to provide the highest level of care for this often-treatable condition. Key words: acetaminophen, acetadote, APAP, N-acetylcysteine, paracetamol NTRODUCED IN 1955, acetaminophen cold, and analgesia preparations—a fact that (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol or APAP), laypeople may not appreciate. Despite its also known as paracetamol outside the widespread appeal, inappropriate use can United States, is one of the most popular non- lead to significant morbidity and mortality narcotic analgesic–antipyretic agents in the from hepatic necrosis. Easy accessibility and world. This agent is perceived by the public an array of product formulations mean that to be remarkably safe and it is, if taken appro- acetaminophen toxicity should be http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal Wolters Kluwer Health

Over-the-Counter Pain Management Gone Awry Acetaminophen Poisoning

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References (44)

Copyright
© 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
ISSN
1931-4485
eISSN
1931-4493
DOI
10.1097/TME.0b013e3181e9556d
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Acetaminophen is one of the most popular nonnarcotic analgesic–antipyretic agents available. In- appropriate use of this agent can lead to significant morbidity and mortality secondary to hepatic necrosis. Several patient-specific factors impact its metabolism and the subsequent production of its toxic metabolite when consumed in excess. Rapid diagnosis and treatment with N-acetylcysteine in the first few hours following overdose is imperative in preventing permanent hepatic damage and death. It is essential for all health care providers to be familiar with the etiology and pro- gression of this poisoning, as well as the necessary steps in treatment, to provide the highest level of care for this often-treatable condition. Key words: acetaminophen, acetadote, APAP, N-acetylcysteine, paracetamol NTRODUCED IN 1955, acetaminophen cold, and analgesia preparations—a fact that (N-acetyl-para-aminophenol or APAP), laypeople may not appreciate. Despite its also known as paracetamol outside the widespread appeal, inappropriate use can United States, is one of the most popular non- lead to significant morbidity and mortality narcotic analgesic–antipyretic agents in the from hepatic necrosis. Easy accessibility and world. This agent is perceived by the public an array of product formulations mean that to be remarkably safe and it is, if taken appro- acetaminophen toxicity should be

Journal

Advanced Emergency Nursing JournalWolters Kluwer Health

Published: Jul 1, 2010

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