Paracetamol poisoning in an adult patient: Case report and review of literature.
Keywords:
Paracetamol, Poisoning, Liver Failure, Encephalopathy, N-acetyl cysteineAbstract
The acetaminophen (acetyl para-aminophenol n-) is a para-aminophenol derivative as phenacetin, maintaining, as this antipyretic and analgesic effect, besides antiinflammatory effects. It is a drug widely used in both adult and pediatric population. Previous studies of secondary poisoning consumption of this drug demonstrate that adult dose is 6 to 7 grams potentially having a possible toxic effect, the lethal dose is about 13 to 25 grams. In this paper we report the case of a 28-year-old female patient who consumes 36 paracetamol tablets (18 grams) due to a suicide attempt, which is carried out by internal medicine together with social work, psychology, and psychiatry. Management with saline solution, metoclopramide and N-acetylcysteine is started. The patient showed multiorgan compromise, acute hepatic failure, electrolyte imbalance, and psychotic symptoms, with evidence of neurological compromise.
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