Paracetamol overdose: Analysis of a sample from a tertiary hospital in Eastern Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Paracetamol overdose is common and has such serious consequences as hepatic toxicity. The aim of this study was to characterize patients in a sample from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) with paracetamol overdose. Materials and Methods: Retrospective chart review (July 1997 to December 2012) for all patients above the age of 18 years with the diagnosis of paracetamol overdose at a university hospital. Results: A total of 86 patients with paracetamol overdose were analyzed, about 70% of these patients were young females. 80% were attempts at suicide. 56% of the patients received N-acetylcysteine. Two patients developed hepatic toxicity. There were no mortalities and the average hospital stay was 4.8 ± 4.9 days. Conclusion: Paracetamol overdose is frequently seen in young females attempting suicide. In KSA, it tends to have a low rate of hepatic toxicity.

Keywords

• Overdose
• paracetamol
• toxicity