[About paracetamol again]

The mechanism of hepatotoxicity caused by paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose and the treatment of patients is reviewed. Paracetamol is widely used over-the-counter drug with analgesic and antipyretic properties. Although it is considered to be safe at therapeutic doses, the incidence of hepatotoxicity caused by overdose or inadvertent application has been increasing lately. N-acetyl-p-benzoquinonimine, one of the metabolites formed from paracetamol is responsible for the hepatotoxicity. Until now there is no complete therapeutic strategy for the effective treatment of hepatotoxicity caused by paracetamol. Gut decontamination, N-acetylcysteine antidote administration and enhancement of elimination is used for the management of paracetamol overdose. Those with severe hepatotoxicity and neurological symptoms can benefit from removal of necrotic liver and undergo transplantation.