Management of paracetamol overdose

Paracetamol is a widely available as an ‘over-the-counter medication’ for children in the UK and overdose is one of the commonest reasons for contacting the UK Toxic Poisons Centre. The severity of presentation with paracetamol overdose may vary from no effect on liver function to severely deranged liver function tests causing liver failure and being rescued by liver transplantation or leading to death. N-Acetyl cysteine is highly effective therapy and the implementation of appropriate management in the early period of presentation to prevent the toxicity related to the liver and kidneys cannot be overemphasized. The article will aim to answer some key clinical questions facing the clinicians in the early management of paracetamol overdose.