Home > Journals > Indian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Pediatrics

Indian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Pediatrics

Submit your article Read this Journals View all journals
Full Text (PDF)
Original Article

Analysis of Acetaminophen Toxicity in Children in a Tertiary Care Setting

Lakshmi Muthukrishnan , Lakshmi Muthukrishnan , Radhika Raman

Author Information

Licence:



Indian Journal of Trauma and Emergency Pediatrics 5(1):p 5-8, January - March 2013. | DOI:

How Cite This Article:

Timeline

Received : N/A         Accepted : N/A          Published : N/A

Abstract

Background: Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is widely used in children as an antipyretic because its safety and efficacy are well established. Parental anxiety coupled with easy availability makes it one of the common poisonings seen in children. The symptoms of acetaminophen intoxication are non specific. The availability of acetaminophen in various concentrations and preparations, delays the diagnosis and treatment of acetaminophen intoxication in unintentional toxicity. Objective: To analyse the toxic effects of acute and multiple dose acetaminophen ingestion in a tertiary care pediatric emergency setting. Methods: Case records of 54 children diagnosed with acetaminophen toxicity between February 2009 and February 2013 were retrospectively analysed. Result: Acetaminophen toxicity was common in infants, common diagnosis at presentation being viral fever with vomiting . Hepatomegaly and elevated liver enzymes were noted in the majority. Double strength preparation (250mg/5ml) in accidental and drops (100 to 125mg /ml) contributed to toxicity in multi dose ingestions. Parenteral N Acetyl cysteine was well tolerated. Conclusion: Unintentional acetaminophen toxicity is as common as accidental ingestion. High index of suspicion is important. It mimics common childhood illness. Detailed prescription of acetaminophen and parental counseling are necessary. 

 

Keywords: Acetaminophen; NAC; N-acetylcysteine; Paracetamol; Poisoning; Toxicity.  

References

No records found.


About this article

Cite this article

Licence:



Received Accepted Published
N/A N/A N/A
DOI:

Keywords


Article Level Metrics

Last Updated

Monday 27 July 2026, 08:50:43 (IST)

1086

Accesses

4
184
00

Citations


NA
NA
NA

Download citation


Article Keywords

Keyword Highlighting

Highlight selected keywords in the article text.


Timeline

Received N/A
Accepted N/A
Published N/A

licence




Access this article

Reprint Order Form
Buy this Article
Institutional Subscriptions

Share