Abstract
Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic, antipyretic. Frequent use is associated with a higher frequency of dosage errors.
Easy availability of the drug makes it also a substance often used in self-harm attempts; unfortunately, it applies also in case of adolescents. A similar situation is also abroad.
The toxic dose is in case of acute ingestion from 200 mg/kg, in case of risk patient groups even lower. At this dose, glutathione in liver is already not able to deactivate the toxic metabolite of paracetamol, which leads to the necrosis of hepatocytes.
To diagnose it is crucial to determine the plasmatic concentration of paracetamol. The basic therapy is the antidote N-acetylcystein.
Accidental or purposeful overdose is very common in the Czech Republic. Contrary to western countries, we do not yet implement measures to decrease the amount of intoxications.
The first step in this regard is the campaign "Use paracetamol reasonably".