A patient presents after consuming 10 tablets of paracetamol in a suspected overdoseWhich of the following is the appropriate antidote?

Question

What is the full form of NOAEL which is defined as the highest dose or concentration of a chemical in a single study, found by experiment or observation, that causes no detectable adverse health effects?

Answer 1

To address the problem of a suspected overdose involving paracetamol, understanding the mechanism and appropriate antidote is essential for effective treatment.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose is a common pharmaceutical overdose scenario, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. The concern lies in its potential to cause severe liver damage due to metabolism by the liver enzyme cytochrome P450, which produces a toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI).

The antidote for paracetamol overdose is N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Let's explore why this option is correct and rule out the others:

N-acetylcysteine: NAC acts by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, which neutralizes the toxic effects of NAPQI. It can also directly detoxify NAPQI and is crucial to preventing liver damage if administered in time. It's the preferred choice for treating paracetamol toxicity.
Naloxone: This drug is an opioid receptor antagonist, primarily used to reverse opioid overdoses. It has no effect on paracetamol poisoning.
Pralidoxime: Pralidoxime is used in the management of organophosphate poisoning. It reactivates acetylcholinesterase, which is not relevant for paracetamol overdose.
Nalmefene: Similar to naloxone, nalmefene is an opioid antagonist and is also used to address opioid overdose, not paracetamol toxicity.

Therefore, the correct antidote for a paracetamol overdose is N-acetylcysteine.

Conclusion: Timely administration of N-acetylcysteine can significantly reduce the risk of liver damage due to paracetamol overdose. It is crucial for any suspected overdose of paracetamol to be treated promptly with NAC to prevent severe complications.

Answer 2

To address the problem of a suspected overdose involving paracetamol, understanding the mechanism and appropriate antidote is essential for effective treatment.

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose is a common pharmaceutical overdose scenario, especially when consumed in excessive amounts. The concern lies in its potential to cause severe liver damage due to metabolism by the liver enzyme cytochrome P450, which produces a toxic metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI).

The antidote for paracetamol overdose is N-acetylcysteine (NAC). Let's explore why this option is correct and rule out the others:

N-acetylcysteine: NAC acts by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, which neutralizes the toxic effects of NAPQI. It can also directly detoxify NAPQI and is crucial to preventing liver damage if administered in time. It's the preferred choice for treating paracetamol toxicity.
Naloxone: This drug is an opioid receptor antagonist, primarily used to reverse opioid overdoses. It has no effect on paracetamol poisoning.
Pralidoxime: Pralidoxime is used in the management of organophosphate poisoning. It reactivates acetylcholinesterase, which is not relevant for paracetamol overdose.
Nalmefene: Similar to naloxone, nalmefene is an opioid antagonist and is also used to address opioid overdose, not paracetamol toxicity.

Therefore, the correct antidote for a paracetamol overdose is N-acetylcysteine.

Conclusion: Timely administration of N-acetylcysteine can significantly reduce the risk of liver damage due to paracetamol overdose. It is crucial for any suspected overdose of paracetamol to be treated promptly with NAC to prevent severe complications.

A patient presents after consuming 10 tablets of paracetamol in a suspected overdoseWhich of the following is the appropriate antidote?

Show Hint

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Top Questions on Toxicology

Questions Asked in NEET MDS exam