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What to do if my 16-year-old ingested 12g of paracetamol 80 hours ago and has elevated liver enzymes?
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Infectious Illnesses
Question #30926
12 hours ago
78

What to do if my 16-year-old ingested 12g of paracetamol 80 hours ago and has elevated liver enzymes?

Client_280126

A 16years old ingested 12g paracetamol 80hrs ago he has been on anxiety meds for 1 years and has history of anxiety. Right now he did blood test yesterday it showed slightly elevated SGPT, SGOT and Bilirubin. He has hyperchodriac pain and nausea and fatiuge. What should we do

How is your child feeling right now?:

- No change

Has he experienced any other symptoms besides pain and nausea?:

- Confusion or drowsiness

Has he been eating and drinking normally since the ingestion?:

- Reduced appetite

What anxiety medication is he currently taking?:

- Benzodiazepine (e.g., lorazepam)

Has he had any previous issues with his liver or other medical conditions?:

- No previous issues

When did the pain and nausea start in relation to the paracetamol ingestion?:

- After a day or two

Has he been under a lot of stress or anxiety recently?:

- Yes, very stressed
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Doctors' responses

Hello

This is a medical emergency. A 12 g paracetamol overdose with abnormal liver tests, right upper abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, and especially confusion or drowsiness raises concern for paracetamol-induced liver injury, which can worsen several days after the overdose.

He should be taken to the emergency department immediately, even though the ingestion was 80 hours ago. Late treatment with N-acetylcysteine can still improve outcomes, and he needs urgent assessment with repeat liver function tests, INR/clotting profile, kidney function, blood glucose, electrolytes, and monitoring for acute liver failure.

Because this appears to have been an intentional overdose and he has a history of anxiety, he should also receive an urgent mental health assessment once he is medically stable.

Do not give any more paracetamol or alcohol, and do not delay seeking care. If his confusion worsens, he becomes difficult to wake, has persistent vomiting, seizures, or develops yellowing of the skin or eyes, call emergency services immediately.

Take care Feel free to reach out again

56% best answers

2 replies
Client_280126
Client
11 hours ago

But the lft were only slightly elevated

Even if LFT is only mildly elevated, this is still urgent.

A 12 g paracetamol overdose + symptoms (pain, nausea, fatigue, confusion/drowsiness) at 80 hours means he needs immediate hospital review today.

Key point: LFT can look mild early but liver injury can still worsen later. More important tests are INR/PT, glucose, kidney function, not just SGOT/SGPT.

➡️ Go to ER now for possible IV N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and monitoring.

56% best answers

Hello Thank you for sharing these details—this is a serious situation and needs careful attention.

Key points: - Ingesting 12g paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a significant overdose, even if it was 80 hours ago. - Elevated SGPT, SGOT, and bilirubin suggest the liver is affected. - Symptoms like pain, nausea, and fatigue are concerning for ongoing liver injury.

What this means:
Paracetamol overdose can cause delayed but serious liver damage. The risk remains high even after 3–4 days, especially with abnormal liver tests and symptoms.

What to do now:
- Immediate hospital admission is needed. He should be under the care of a doctor, preferably in a hospital with facilities for liver monitoring and management. - Further tests: The doctor will likely repeat liver function tests, check INR/PT (blood clotting), kidney function, and monitor for signs of liver failure. - Treatment: Even though the best window for antidote (N-acetylcysteine) is within 24 hours, it can still be helpful up to 4–5 days after overdose, especially if there is ongoing liver injury. Only a doctor can decide and administer this. - Do not wait at home. This is not something that will get better on its own, and complications can develop quickly.

Summary:
This is a medical emergency. Please take him to the nearest hospital or emergency department right away, even if he seems stable. Early and ongoing medical care can make a big difference in recovery.

Thank you

43% best answers

0 replies

Hello dear It is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization Since the time period that lapsed is 80 hrs so anti dote N acetyl cysteine may be still effective There will be requirement of gastric lavage Get following tests done for toxicity level Sgot Sgot Inr Pt Aptt Regards

68% best answers

0 replies

Urgent hospitalization is required.

58% best answers

0 replies
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