Hepatotoxicity of paracetamol

This is an automatically translated article.


Information that paracetamol causes liver toxicity is not too strange nowadays. Therefore, having knowledge as well as methods to prevent bad consequences from paracetamol poisoning needs to be updated every day.

1. Why does paracetamol cause liver toxicity?


1.1. Mechanism of damage to the liver of paracetamol Doctors have shown that it is metabolism in the liver that causes paracetamol poisoning. Because, almost everything we take into the body through food is processed and detoxified by the liver. In the liver, paracetamol will be converted to very small alkyls, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which are toxic.
Normally, if only a small amount of this NAPQI is available, the liver can easily detoxify. However, because this substance has the ability to be detoxified by forming stable bonds with the sulfhydryl groups of glutathione or under the control of a sulfhydryl compound such as N-acetylcysteine ​​to form non-toxic complexes. and can be eliminated by the kidneys.
If taking a high dose or prolonged paracetamol, the concentration of NAPQI in the liver will increase significantly, the body cannot detoxify, leading to severe damage to liver cells.

Paracetamol có thể gây hại cho gan người bệnh
Paracetamol có thể gây hại cho gan người bệnh

1.2. Clinical Symptoms of Paracetamol Hepatotoxicity Early symptoms of paracetamol poisoning are often subtle, such as nausea, vomiting, and transient fatigue within 12-24 hours after ingestion of paracetamol overdose. On the second day after taking it, most of the symptoms will subside completely, and it will seem to be gone. However, on the third and fourth day after taking the drug, the full-blown symptoms gradually appeared and increased, including anorexia, fear of rice, jaundice...
For those with pre-existing medical conditions in liver disease (viral hepatitis or alcoholic cirrhosis), the risk of hepatitis due to acute paracetamol poisoning is increased, even taking only therapeutic doses can trigger symptoms of drug-toxic hepatitis. If the patient is only mild, the toxic hepatitis injury can be completely reversed, but if the poisoning is severe, causing fulminant liver failure, the risk can lead to death.

Trắc nghiệm: Làm thế nào để bảo vệ lá gan khỏe mạnh?

Làm test trắc nghiệm kiểm tra hiểu biết về gan có thể giúp bạn nhận thức rõ vai trò quan trọng của gan, từ đó có các biện pháp bảo vệ gan để phòng ngừa bệnh tật.

2. How to use paracetamol correctly?


The best way, please use paracetamol according to the instructions of the doctor, absolutely do not exceed the allowed dose, carefully refer to information related to paracetamol's liver toxicity. Use with a total dose not exceeding 4g/day for adults, children should only use the drug with the dose range reserved for children.
On the other hand, for liquid drugs, it is necessary to use a special instrument to accurately measure the amount of paracetamol loaded into the body and to shake the medicine well before use. With the effervescent form, it is necessary to let the medicine dissolve completely in the water and then drink it all.
Stop using paracetamol in the following cases:
Still have a fever after 3 days of use; Still pain after 5-7 days of use; The body shows strange symptoms, especially anorexia, fear of rice, ...

Paracetamol cần được tư vấn trước khi sử dụng thuốc
Paracetamol cần được tư vấn trước khi sử dụng thuốc

Store the medicine at room temperature, away from moisture and away from direct light. In particular, when using the drug should avoid drinking alcohol or stimulants to avoid the risk of paracetamol poisoning.

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