Paracetamol Poisoning — Uganda (General Adult population)
If Presentation <2 Hours
Give activated charcoal 50 g (child: 1 g/kg) to reduce absorption. Refer urgently to hospital.
Antidote — N-Acetylcysteine (HC4)
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) IV: Loading dose 150 mg/kg in 200 ml glucose 5% over 15 minutes. Then 50 mg/kg in 500 ml glucose 5% over 4 hours. Then 100 mg/kg in 1000 ml glucose 5% over 16 hours. Most effective if given within 8 hours; still beneficial up to 24 hours.
Monitoring
Monitor liver function tests, renal function, PT/INR, blood glucose. Refer for specialist management if liver failure develops.
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