Question
What is the effective antodote for acetaminophen overdose in a 28 year old suicidal patient?
| A. |
N-Acetyl cysteine
|
| B. |
N-Glycolamine
|
| C. |
Penicillamine
|
| D. |
Fomipezole
|
Show Answer
|
Correct Answer � A
Explanation
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|
N-acetylcysteine is used as an effective antidote for acetaminophen overdose.
In acetaminophen overdose, N-acetylcysteine, a sulfhydryl-containing acetaminophen-specific antidote, replenishes hepatic stores of glutathione by acting as a glutathione surrogate, combining directly with reactive acetaminophen metabolites and preventing hepatic damage.
N-acetylcysteine should be initiated within 10 hours of actaminophen overdose to achieve optimum results.
