Abstract
Acetaminophen is the most widely used analgesic-antipyretic and is available as an over-the-counter medication in many countries. Although generally safe at usual therapeutic doses, acetaminophen may cause hepatic toxicity in case of chronic or acute overuse and even at therapeutic doses in susceptible individuals. The aim of this article is to review the mechanisms of acetaminophen toxicity and to review the critical steps in the management of acute or chronic acetaminophen intoxication.
MeSH terms
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Acetaminophen / administration & dosage
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Acetaminophen / poisoning*
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Acetylcysteine / administration & dosage
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Acetylcysteine / therapeutic use
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Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / administration & dosage
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Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / poisoning*
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Antidotes / administration & dosage
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Antidotes / therapeutic use
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / epidemiology
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Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
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Drug Overdose
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Humans
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Nonprescription Drugs / administration & dosage
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Nonprescription Drugs / poisoning
Substances
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Analgesics, Non-Narcotic
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Antidotes
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Nonprescription Drugs
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Acetaminophen
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Acetylcysteine