Resumen

VARGAS CASTRO, María Paula. Intoxicación por acetaminofén en adultos. Med. leg. Costa Rica [online]. 2016, vol.33, n.1, pp.103-109. ISSN 2215-5287.

Acetaminophen has become the most widely available analgesic around the world. Although it’s considered remarkably safe at therapeutic doses, its overdose can lead to hepatic necrosis and its one of the principal causes of acute liver failure. Acetaminophen-induced hepatitis is acute in onset, progresses rapidly and is characterized by a marked elevation in aminotransferases. Initial manifestations may be mild and nonspecific, thus, measurement of serum acetaminophen concentration is critical when an overdose is suspected. The level should be evaluated according to the modified Rumack-Matthew nomogram to determine the use of N-acetylcystein (NAC), an effective antidote if used promptly.

This article provides an overview of the pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis of acetaminophen poisoning and presents the actual therapeutic options available to treat this condition.

Palabras clave : Intoxicación con acetaminofén; N-acetilcisteína; nomograma de Rumack Matthew; hepatotoxicidad; Acetaminophen overdose; N-acetylcysteine; Rumack-Matthew nomogram; Hepatotoxicity.

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