Paracetamol ingestion – Emergency management in children

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Key points

  • Toxic paracetamol ingestions require prompt treatment with acetylcysteine infusion to avoid serious hepatic injury and death.
  • The need for acetylcysteine is guided by measuring a serum paracetamol concentration  and plotting this on the  paracetamol treatment nomogram.
  • Overdoses involving modified release paracetamol and liquid paracetamol require different management.
  • Administer acetylcysteine immediately if paracetamol concentration levels are not likely to be available within eight hours of a potentially toxic ingestion (due to delay in presentation to ED or time for testing or uncertain time of ingestion) or patient has symptoms of hepatic injury.
  • Careful attention is required to avoid acetylcysteine dosing errors. Fluid adjustment is required for children less than 50kg.
  • Seek urgent toxicological advice from Poisons Information (Ph: 131126) for very large overdoses (50 g or 1 g/kg), IV paracetamol overdoses or if evidence of hepatotoxicity (ALT greater than 1,000 U/L). Critical care may be required.

Purpose

This document provides clinical guidance for all staff involved in the care and management of a child presenting to an Emergency Department (ED) in Queensland following a paracetamol ingestion.

This guideline has been developed by senior ED clinicians and Paediatricians across Queensland, with input from Queensland Poisons Information Centre, Clinical Toxicology; Princess Alexandra Hospital and Pharmacy, Gastroenterology and PICU; Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane. It has been endorsed for use statewide by the Queensland Emergency Care of Children Working Group in partnership with the Queensland Emergency Department Strategic Advisory Panel and the Healthcare Improvement Unit, Clinical Excellence Queensland.


Introduction

Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic that is readily available in many different preparations. Accidental or deliberate overdose can cause hepatic failure and death. This can be prevented by the early administration of acetylcysteine.1

This guideline is based on the recommendations made in 2020 by a group of Australasian Clinical Toxicologists consulting to the Poisons Information Centre.1

While there are certain groups who are at higher risk of hepatotoxicity (such as those with malnutrition, eating disorders, cystic fibrosis or acute viral infections) the recommended management is conservative and so remains unchanged.

Pharmacokinetics

Paracetamol is rapidly absorbed in the small intestine and reaches peak concentrations within 30 minutes for liquid preparations and one to two hours for standard tablet preparations. Distribution then occurs within two hours for liquid preparations and four hours for standard tablet preparations.2 Hepatic biotransformation results in 90% of paracetamol being metabolised to inactive sulphate and glucuronide conjugates which are then excreted by the kidneys. The remaining 10% requires cytochrome P450 to make an intermediary compound of N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) which then in turn binds to intracellular glutathione for renal excretion. Depletion of glutathione occurs with higher production of NAPQI which subsequently binds to other proteins and thus damages hepatocytes. Clinical or biochemical evidence of this damage may take up to 24 hours post overdose to become apparent.3

Acetylcysteine is an effective antidote to paracetamol toxicity by increasing the synthesis and availability of glutathione and directly binding to NAPQI. Appropriate treatment commencing within eight hours of the overdose will prevent almost all serious hepatic injury. 4


Assessment

The aim of the initial assessment is to determine the risk of hepatic injury following paracetamol ingestion.

History

History-taking should include information on:

  • number, quantity, concentration* and timing of ingestions
  • preparation – immediate or modified release, liquid
  • intentional or accidental
  • symptoms of hepatic injury (such as abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, anorexia)

* at least 4 different concentrations of liquid paracetamol in Australia

Examination

Full examination focussing on eliciting any toxidromes to suggest co-ingestion, neurological status for co-ingestion risk and hepatic encephalopathy, and serial abdominal examinations which can elicit right upper quadrant tenderness.

Calculation of ingested dose

Use the available information to calculate the dose(mg) per kilogram of paracetamol ingested. When in doubt of the quantity, use the maximum possible ingested dose to determine the potential for hepatic injury.

Paracetamol dosing that may be associated with hepatic injury*
Age Acute single ingestion Repeated supratherapeutic ingestion
0 – 6 years ≥ 200 mg/kg immediate release Any of the following:
  • ≥ 200 mg/kg over a single 24-hour period
  • ≥ 300 mg/kg over a single 48 hour period
  • ≥ a daily therapeutic dose (60 mg/kg) per day for greater than 48 hours AND abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
Over 6 years ≥ 200 mg/kg or 10g immediate release (whichever is lower) Any of the following:
  • ≥ 200 mg/kg or 10 g (whichever is lower) over a single 24-hour period
  • ≥ 300 mg/kg or 12 g (whichever is lower) over a single 48 hour period
  • ≥ a daily therapeutic dose (60 mg/kg or 4 g, whichever is lower) per day for greater than 48 hours AND abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting
All ages Any modified release ingestion exceeding the daily therapeutic dose Any modified release ingestion exceeding the daily therapeutic dose. Even ingestion of doses < 200mg/kg or ≤ 10g are potentially toxic.

*Use the ideal body weight for body weight calculations in obese children.

If the patient has taken a mixture of immediate release and modified release paracetamol, treat as a modified release ingestion, and contact Queensland Poisons information Centre (QPIC) (Ph: 131126) or local toxicology service. 4


Investigations

Alert

Administer acetylcysteine immediately if paracetamol concentration levels are not likely to be available within eight hours of a potentially toxic ingestion (due to delay in presentation to ED or time for testing or uncertain time of ingestion) or patient has symptoms of hepatic injury (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and anorexia). Do not delay for paracetamol concentration levels.

Serum paracetamol concentration testing is used to determine the need for acetylcysteine (by plotting on the treatment nomogram provided below). Testing is recommended for patients with a history of:

  • ingesting a toxic dose (refer to table in Assessment section)
  • deliberate self‐poisoning regardless of the stated ingested dose
  • accidental exposures if uncertain of ingested dose
Investigations recommended for the management of paracetamol overdose
Children aged less than 6 years post-ingestion of liquid paracetamol Serum paracetamol concentration at 2 hours post-ingestion. Concentrations less than 150 mg/L require no further treatment. Repeat at 4 hours post-ingestion if initial concentration is greater than or equal to 150 mg/L. If patient presents after 4 hours, or is over 6 years of age, manage as below.
Patients with single potentially toxic immediate release paracetamol ingestionTime of presentationTesting
Within 8 hours of ingestion Serum paracetamol concentration and ALT within 4-8 hours post-ingestion. If treatment indicated, repeat paracetamol concentration and ALT two hours before the end of the second bag of acetylcysteine infusion.
8-24 hours post-ingestion

Serum paracetamol concentration and ALT on presentation and commence acetylcysteine while awaiting level.

If ongoing treatment indicated, repeat paracetamol concentration and ALT 2 hours before the end of the second bag of acetylcysteine infusion.

Greater than 24 hours post-ingestion Serum paracetamol concentration, transaminases (ALT/AST), INR/PT, creatinine, urea, glucose and arterial or venous blood gas on presentation and commence acetylcysteine while awaiting level3. Follow up testing as clinically indicated.
Unknown time of ingestion

Serum paracetamol concentration, ALT and INR on presentation and commence acetylcysteine while awaiting level.

Seek advice from Poisons Information (Ph: 131126) for further testing.

Patients post-ingestion of modified release paracetamol (e.g. Panadol Osteo®, Osteomol®) Serum paracetamol concentration minimum of 4 hours post-ingestion.
Repeat serum paracetamol concentration 4 hours after initial testing to capture the delayed release. If treatment indicated, start acetylcysteine. Repeat paracetamol concentration and ALT 2 hours before the end of the second bag of acetylcysteine infusion to guide need for ongoing decontamination and/or treatment.
Patients with potentially toxic repeated supratherapeutic ingestions Serum paracetamol concentration and ALT on presentation. Repeat at eight hours after initial measurement if either serum paracetamol concentration greater than 20 mg/L, or ALT greater than 50 U/L or increasing and if treatment indicated, start acetylcysteine. Check ALT every 12 hours if ALT greater than 50 U/L or the repeat paracetamol concentration is greater than 10 mg/L.
Patients with multiple or staggered ingestion with intent of self harm If multiple or staggered ingestion (over more than 2 hours) with intent of self harm, treat as per acute immediate release ingestion with serum paracetamol level and ALT within 4-8 hours from the time of first dose. If the most recent ingestion occurs within 2 hours of initial bloods, repeat paracetamol concentration 2 hours later to capture ongoing absorption.

Rumack-Mathew paracetamol treatment nomogram

Paracetamol treatment nomogram chart showing time in hours (x axis) and blood paracetamol concentration in mg/L (y axis)

Reproduced from Daly FF et al. Guidelines for the management of paracetamol poisoning in Australia and New Zealand-explanation and elaboration. A consensus statement from clinical toxicologists consulting to the Australasian poisons information centres. Med. J. Aust. 2008;188 (5): 296-301 with permission from John Wiley and Sons. Link to article. © 2008 AMPCo Pty Ltd. All rights reserved.


Management

Refer to flowchart  [PDF 997.58 KB] for a summary of the emergency management for a child following a paracetamol ingestion:

Contact a Clinical Toxicologist via Queensland Poisons information Centre (QPIC) (ph: 131 126) or local toxicology service urgently for:

  • overdoses of 50 g or 1 g/kg (always use lower threshold)
  • measured paracetamol concentration is double the nomogram line
  • IV paracetamol errors or overdoses
  • evidence of hepatotoxicity (ALT greater than 1,000 U/L)

Higher concentrations of acetylcysteine may be required. Contact paediatric critical care specialist (onsite or via Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ)) as advised by Poisons/QPIC/Clinical Toxicologist.

Refer patients with a deliberate overdose for a psychiatric assessment as per local practices.

Decontamination - Activated charcoal

Activated charcoal may prevent or reduce the need for treatment with acetylcysteine if used appropriately.

Activated charcoal (1g/kg) is only routinely recommended for cooperative patients aged greater than six years if able to be administered up to 2 hours post-ingestion for potentially toxic overdoses of immediate release paracetamol. It may be given up to 4 hours post-ingestion for modified release paracetamol preparations, or for very large overdoses of immediate release paracetamol (≥ 500 mg/kg or ≥ 30g). Multiple doses of activated charcoal may be given for very large overdoses of modified release paracetamol on advice from Poisons Information Centre/Clinical Toxicologist. Activated Charcoal is not recommended in liquid preparation overdose due to the fast absorption time.

Acetylcysteine

Acetylcysteine following single toxic immediate release paracetamol ingestion

The need for acetylcysteine is guided by serum paracetamol concentration plotted on the paracetamol treatment nomogram (see Assessment section).

Alert

Additional management is required for modified release paracetamol ingestions. Refer to section below. Treat mixed immediate and modified release ingestions as modified and contact Queensland Poisons information Centre (QPIC) (Ph: 131 126) or local toxicology service.

ACETYLCYSTEINE following single toxic immediate release paracetamol ingestion
Time from ingestion Indications for acetylcysteine
2 hours

Acetylcysteine will not be required for well children aged less than 6 years with serum paracetamol concentration less than 150 mg/L at 2 hours post-ingestion of liquid paracetamol.

If greater than or equal to 150 mg/L do not commence acetylcysteine but repeat level at 4 hours and manage as below.

4-8 hours

Commence acetylcysteine if:

  • serum paracetamol concentration taken at 4 hours post-ingestion is greater than or equal to 150 mg/L or
  • serum paracetamol concentration taken 4-8 hours post-ingestion is above the nomogram treatment line.

If initial serum paracetamol concentration is greater than double the nomogram line, patients will require a double dose second bag of acetylcysteine (see “Acetylcysteine administration” below). Recommend discussion with Poisons Information Centre (Ph: 131 126).

Await serum levels if results are expected within 8 hours of ingestion.
If results are not expected within 8 hours, commence acetylcysteine and review serum levels when available. Continue acetylcysteine if levels taken within 4-8 hours of ingestion are above the nomogram treatment line. Otherwise cease infusion.

8-24 hours

Commence acetylcysteine immediately after taking bloods (see Investigations).

Continue acetylcysteine if serum paracetamol concentration above the nomogram treatment line or ALT greater than 50 U/L.

If initial serum paracetamol concentration is greater than double the nomogram line, patients will require a double dose second bag of acetylcysteine (see “Acetylcysteine administration” below). Recommend discussion with Poisons Information Centre (Ph: 131 126).

≥ 24 hours or unknown

Commence acetylcysteine immediately after taking bloods (see Investigations).

Continue acetylcysteine if paracetamol concentration is greater than 10 mg/L or ALT greater than 50 U/L.

If serum paracetamol concentration is higher than 100 mg/L, seek advice from Poisons Information Centre clinical toxicologist (Ph: 131 126) or local toxicology service.

Acetylcysteine following staggered toxic ingestion of immediate release paracetamol with intent of self harm

Treatment is as per acute immediate release ingestion, using the time of first ingestion.

If a dose was ingested within 2 hours of initial bloods, repeat paracetamol concentration 2 hours later to capture ongoing absorption and commence acetylcysteine if either level above nomogram treatment line (see Investigations).

Acetylcysteine following toxic modified release paracetamol ingestions

Modified release paracetamol preparations (such as Panadol Osteo® and Osteomol® both with 665mg paracetamol/tablet) result in potentially delayed peak concentrations above the nomogram treatment line. A single measurement of paracetamol level is not adequate to make decisions around acetylcysteine administration if an unknown quantity or a potentially toxic quantity has been ingested.

Acetylcysteine administration following modified release paracetamol ingestions
Modified release ingestion ≤ 200 mg/kg or ≤ 10g
  • Commence acetylcysteine if paracetamol concentration taken at least 4 hours post ingestion is above the nomogram treatment line
  • Repeat paracetamol concentration and ALT 4 hours after initial bloods to capture ongoing absorption. Commence acetylcysteine if above nomogram treatment line.
Modified release ingestion ≥ 200 mg/kg or ≥ 10g or unknown
  • Commence acetylcysteine immediately after taking bloods (see Investigations).
  • Patients will require a full 20 hour course regardless of serum paracetamol concentration.
  • Repeat paracetamol concentration and ALT 4 hours after initial bloods to capture ongoing absorption.

If either of the paracetamol levels are double the nomogram treatment line, administer double dose second bag of acetylcysteine (see “Acetylcysteine administration”). Recommend discussion with Poisons Information Centre (Ph: 131 126) or local toxicology service.

Modified release massive ingestion ≥ 500 mg/kg or ≥ 30 g

Administer a double dose second bag of acetylcysteine (see “Acetylcysteine administration”). Recommend discussion with Poisons Information Centre (Ph: 131 126) or local toxicology service.

Acetylcysteine following repeated supratherapeutic ingestions

Acetylcysteine administration following repeated supratherapeutic ingestions*

Commence acetylcysteine if serum paracetamol concentration taken on presentation is greater than 20 mg/L or ALT greater than 50 U/L.

If acetylcysteine is indicated, repeat levels at 8 hours after initial testing. Discontinue acetylcysteine if ALT is less than 50 U/L or static, AND paracetamol concentration is less than 10 mg/L. Otherwise continue acetylcysteine, recheck ALT every twelve hours and seek advice from Queensland Poisons information Centre (QPIC) (Ph: 131 126) or local toxicology service.

*Refer to Assessment section for definition

Acetylcysteine administration

Alert

Careful attention is required when ordering fluids. Fluid adjustment orders are required for smaller children due to risk of hyponatremia if using the total adult fluid volume (1500mls). Secondary seizures have resulted when using 5% glucose. 4,5,6

Refer to the Acetylcysteine guideline and use the appropriate order form (based on child’s weight) or the electronic ordering system.

The total acetylcysteine dosing is 300 mg/kg administered over 20 hours in two sequential IV infusions in crystalloid solution (200 mg/kg over 4h, then 100 mg/kg over 16h). Double the dose of the second bag of acetylcysteine (to 200mg/kg over 16h) for those patients with doses resulting in high paracetamol concentrations more than double the nomogram line, or those who ingest ≥ 30 g or ≥ 500 mg/kg of modified release paracetamol. Dosing is calculated on actual body weight up to 110 kg (with dosing based on 110 kg weight for children over 110 kg). Acetylcysteine is packaged in 10 mL ampoules each containing 2,000 mg (20%).  Doses are written in mg.

Where a two bag regime is available on smart pumps, use these profiles. If not available, confirm if the general acetylcysteine profile will allow the infusion to run. If not, revert to the mL/hour functionality (if programmed). Due to differences in doses and durations, it is not suitable to use the superseded three bag regime profile to run the two bag regime.

Prescribe the entire treatment course at the time of the initial presentation to avoid administration delays.

Ceasing acetylcysteine infusion for single ingestions of immediate or modified release paracetamol

  • Measure paracetamol concentration and ALT two hours before the end of the second bag of acetylcysteine infusion.
  • If paracetamol concentration is less than 10 mg/L and ALT less than 50 U/L, no further treatment required after infusion is complete.
  • If paracetamol concentration is greater than 10 mg/L, or ALT is greater than 50 U/L, continue the acetylcysteine infusion and seek advice from Poisons Information Centre (Ph: 131 126).

Ceasing acetylcysteine infusion for repeated supratherapeutic paracetamol ingestion

  • Repeat paracetamol concentration 8 hours after initial blood tests
  • If paracetamol concentration is less than 10 mg/L and ALT less than 50 U/L, cease acetylcysteine
  • If paracetamol concentration is greater than 10 mg/L, or ALT is greater than 50 U/L, continue the acetylcysteine infusion and seek advice from Poisons Information Centre (Ph: 131 126).

Adverse drug reactions

Anaphylactoid reactions including rash, pruritus, angioedema, bronchospasm and rarely hypotension may occur following acetylcysteine administration with females and asthmatics at higher risk. Progression to a more clinically significant reaction is rare.

If drug reactions occur, slow the infusion or temporarily cease the infusion, treat with antihistamines or bronchodilators and restart once the reaction settles.

Ongoing liver impairment

Seek specialist advice (Toxicology/Gastroenterology/Critical Care) for patients with ongoing evidence of liver impairment.

For patients with ongoing liver impairment, continue acetylcysteine and 12-hourly-blood-testing until clinically improving, ALT is reducing, INR is improving and less than 2.0 and the paracetamol level is less than 10mg/L.

Indications for referral to a liver transplant unit

  • INR greater than 3.0 at 48 hours or greater than 4.5 at any time
  • oliguria or creatinine greater than 200 µmol/L
  • persistent acidosis pH less than 7.3 or lactate >3 mmol/L
  • systolic hypotension despite resuscitation
  • hypoglycaemia
  • severe thrombocytopenia
  • encephalopathy not otherwise explained 1

Escalation and advice outside of ED

Clinicians can contact the services below if escalation of care outside of senior clinicians within the ED is needed, as per local practices. Transfer is recommended if the child requires a higher level of care.

Critical care is unlikely to be required following a paracetamol overdose in isolation but may be required if co-ingestions have occurred. Seek critical care advice (onsite or via RSQ) if advised by toxicologist or child is critically unwell.

Toxicology advice is required for the following:
  • overdoses of more than total of 50 g or 1 g/kg (always use lower threshold)
  • tested paracetamol concentration is double the nomogram line
  • IV overdoses
  • evidence of hepatotoxicity (ALT greater than 1,000 IU/L)
Reason for contact Who to contact
Advice
(including management, disposition or
follow-up of all children requiring a ACETYLCYSTEINE infusion)
Follow local practices. Options:
Referral First point of call is the onsite/local paediatric service

Inter-hospital transfers

Do I need a critical transfer?
Request a non-critical inter-hospital transfer
Non-critical transfer forms

Disposition

When to consider discharge from ED

Consider discharge for the following patients:

  • Acetylcysteine infusion not required (based on assessment of serum paracetamol concentration levels or clear history of quantity of accidental ingestion)

AND

  • if ingestion deliberate, a psychiatric assessment has been conducted as appropriate.

On discharge, educate the family regarding safe paracetamol administration and storage.

Follow-up

Not routinely required.

When to consider admission

Admission to an inpatient service or SSU is recommended for patients requiring ongoing acetylcysteine infusion once serum paracetamol concentration and ALT levels are available.

Related documents

Guidelines

Forms


    1. Chiew AL, Reith D, Pomerleau A, Wong A, Isoardi KZ, Soderstrom J, Buckley NA. Updated guidelines for the management of paracetamol poisoning in Australia and New Zealand. Med J Aust. 2020 Mar;212(4):175-183. doi: 10.5694/mja2.50428. Epub 2019 Dec 1. PMID: 31786822.
    2. Chiew AL, Fountain JS, Graudins A et-al. Summary statement: new guidelines for the management of paracetamol poisoning in Australia and New Zealand. Med. J. Aust. 2015;203 (5): 215-8.
    3. Daly, F.F.S., Fountain, J.S., Murray, L., Graudins, A. and Buckley, N.A. (2008), Guidelines for the management of paracetamol poisoning in Australia and New Zealand – explanation and elaboration. Medical Journal of Australia, 188: 296-302. https://doi.org.10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb01625.x
    4. Paracetamol poisoning: immediate-release preparations [published 2020 Aug]. In: Therapeutic Guidelines. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; accessed {Dec 2023}. http://www.tg.org.au
    5. Marzullo L. An update of N-acetylcysteine treatment for acute acetaminophen toxicity in children. Curr. Opin. Pediatr. 2005;17 (2): 239-45.
    6. Sung L, Simons JA, Ayneka NL. Dilution of Intravenous N-Acetylcysteine as a Cause of Hyponatremia. Pediatr. 1997;100(3):389-91.
    7. Brok J, Buckley N, Gluud C. Interventions for paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006; (2): CD003328.
    8. Furmaga J, Wax P, Kleinschmidt K. N-Acetylcysteine (ACETYLCYSTEINE)-Induced Hyponatremia Caused by an Electronic Medical Record (EMR) Order Error. J Med Toxicol. 2015;11 (3): 355-8.
  • Document ID: CHQ-GDL-60018

    Version number: 6.0

    Supersedes: 5.0

    Approval date: 04/04/2024

    Effective date: 19/04/2024

    Review date: 04/04/2028

    Executive sponsor: Executive Director Medical Services

    Author/custodian:  Queensland Emergency Care Children Working Group

    Applicable to: Queensland Health medical and nursing staff

    Document source: Internal (QHEPS) + External

    Authorisation: Executive Director Clinical Services

    Keywords: Paracetamol, overdose, ingestion, acetylcysteine, paediatric, emergency, guideline, children, 60018

    Accreditation references: NSQHS Standards (1-8): 1 , 4, 8

  • This guideline is intended as a guide and provided for information purposes only. View full disclaimer.

Last updated: April 2024