Computer-Generated IV/Oral Acetylcysteine for Acetaminophen Overdose Physician Order Form

Abstract

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is commonly used to reduce liver damage due to an overdose of acetaminophen. Until 2003, the nebulized form of NAC, Mucomyst, administered orally was the only FDA-approved treatment for acetaminophen overdose. In 2004, an IV form of NAC, Acetadote was approved by the FDA. The manufacturer of Aceta-dote has recommended to decrease the total volume administered to pediatric and fluid-restricted patients. Employing the spreadsheet program, Microsoft Excel, a preprinted NAC acetaminophen overdose physician order form is generated. The form displays both an oral and IV NAC acetaminophen overdose regimen. The computer program automatically calculates an appropriate IV NAC concentration for patients weighing 40 kilograms or less. The main purpose of the computer-generated physician order form is to increase medication safety by preventing dosing and administration errors. Institutions can develop physician order forms using the spreadsheet concept.