On the other hand, Ψ-glutathione demonstrated liver protection even up to four hours after the overdose 3. However, if NAC was given four hours after the overdose, there was no reduction in liver toxicity, and 80% of the mice died. Treatment with NAC substantially reduced liver toxicity when given one or two hours after the overdose. Additionally, it is more effective than NAC at reducing liver toxicity in mice four hours after the acetaminophen overdose.Īs shown above, mice given an acetaminophen overdose (APAP only) had extremely high liver toxicity (as measured by the level of an enzyme called ALT). Instead, it latches on to the toxic NAPQI, neutralizing the threat. (Ψ is the Greek letter "psi.") This compound is structurally similar to glutathione but different enough that it is not metabolized by the body. They may have discovered one in Ψ-glutathione. NAC can also cause strange immunological side effects. For these reasons, a team of scientists from the University of Minnesota went about finding a better antidote. (Glutathione itself cannot be administered orally to patients because the body metabolizes it.) NAC is nearly 100% effective at saving lives and preventing liver damage but only if administered within eight hours of overdose. NAPQI then damages DNA and proteins and leads to liver cell death.Ĭurrently, the standard treatment for acetaminophen overdose is a drug called N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which provides the fuel necessary for the body to create more glutathione. But when somebody consumes too much acetaminophen, the body is overwhelmed. Under normal conditions, a tripeptide (a molecule made of three amino acids) called glutathione mops up the mess. However, one of the products, called NAPQI, is toxic to the body. The body metabolizes acetaminophen into various compounds, most of which are harmless. Ψ-Glutathione: Protecting Mice from Acetaminophen Intentionally or accidentally, about 44,000 to 78,000 Americans end up in the emergency room every year because of Tylenol overdoses. The overdose risk is even higher for elderly people or patients who take prescription painkillers, many of which also contain acetaminophen. Because many of these products contain acetaminophen, it isn't too difficult to overdose, which can cause liver damage. When people get sick, they often take a combination of over-the-counter drugs to relieve symptoms. The compound is found in headache and cold medicine. Indeed, it is relatively easy to accidentally overdose on acetaminophen. Josh Bloom expertly explained, Tylenol "has a low therapeutic index, which means that the difference between an effective dose and a toxic dose is small." Its ubiquity has lulled us into a false sense of security about its safety. acetaminophen or paracetamol 2), unbeknownst to many, is actually a fairly toxic drug. Cox's many rants on the comedy show Scrubs, this is definitely one of the funnier and more memorable 1. Whatever sticks, that's the correct dosage. Here's what-chya do: Get her to open her mouth, take a handful, and throw it at her. J.D.: I was worried that it could exacerbate the patient's.ĭr. Cox: Did you actually just page me to find out how much Tylenol to give to Mrs.
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