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Urine discoloration after acetaminophen overdose.
Clinical Chemistry
|September 1, 1986
Summary
Acetaminophen overdose can cause dark-brown urine due to p-aminophenol. This early sign precedes severe kidney and liver damage in patients.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol) is a common analgesic and antipyretic.
- Overdose can lead to severe toxicity, including liver and kidney injury.
Observation:
- Three patients with acetaminophen overdose presented with dark-brown urine.
- This urinary discoloration was observed early in the course of their illness.
Findings:
- p-Aminophenol was identified in the urine of all three patients.
- Chromatographic and colorimetric analyses confirmed the presence of p-aminophenol.
- p-Aminophenol is implicated as the causative agent for the dark-brown urine.
Implications:
- Dark-brown urine may serve as an early clinical indicator of acetaminophen toxicity.
- Early identification of p-aminophenol in urine could aid in timely medical intervention.
- This finding highlights the importance of monitoring renal and hepatic function in acetaminophen overdose cases.