Patients who overdose on paracetamol can end up with Liver failure , Multi-organ Dysfunction or worse- End up in a Coffin!
PARACETAMOL TOXICITY CAN BE DIVIDED INTO 4 PHASES
PHASE 1
Patients may be asymptomatic or report anorexia, nausea or vomiting, and malaise
Physical examination may reveal pallor, diaphoresis, malaise, and fatigue
PHASE 2
18-72 h after ingestion
Patients generally develop right upper quadrant abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting
Right upper quadrant tenderness may be present
Tachycardia and hypotension indicate ongoing volume loss
Some patients may report decreased urinary output (oliguria)
PHASE 3
72-96 h after ingestion
Patients may have continued nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and a tender hepatic edge
Hepatic necrosis and dysfunction are associated with jaundice, coagulopathy, hypoglycemia, and hepatic encephalopathy
Acute renal failure develops in some critically ill patients
Death from multi-organ failure may occur
PHASE 4
4 d to 3 wk after ingestion
Patients who survive critical illness in phase 3 have complete resolution of symptoms and complete resolution of organ failure
SO, DO NOT TAKE ANT MEDICINE WITHOUT ADVICE FROM A COMPETENT DOCTOR!
Dr.Sheena
