Clinical case of unintentional overdose of paracetamol

Abstract

Annotation. Paracetamol — an inexpensive effective and convenient analgesic — the first choice drug for the treatment of acute and chronic pain, an effective antipyretic, which is in the top sales in the US and Europe. Paracetamol is considered to be a safer drug than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, especially in terms of the risk of kidney, gastrointestinal and asthma/bronchial obstruction, even in high-risk patients (elderly, children and pregnant women). On the other hand, increased use of the drug in recent years has raised concerns about its hepatotoxicity. In fact, paracetamol-induced liver lesions are among the leading causes of acute liver failure. The purpose of the work is to demonstrate the importance of a detailed medical history analysis in individuals with suspected liver toxicity using a case study. In the article on the example of a clinical case of unintentional overdose of paracetamol the mechanisms of development of hepatotoxicity of the drug are presented, risk factors, clinic of overdose and principles of treatment are considered. The importance of detailed collection of medical history in individuals with suspected liver toxicity is indicated. The short list of different dosage forms of paracetamol in the pharmaceutical market is given. Significant danger of the combined forms of the drug for relieving the symptoms of colds, the lack of knowledge of patients regarding the constituents of such drugs and the variety of doses of paracetamol in such agents were emphasized. It is concluded that it is advisable to limit the use of high-dose (more than 325 mg) forms of paracetamol. Such a reduction in the amount of paracetamol per unit dose will reduce the risk of serious liver damage from unintended overdose.