Paracetamol overdose: protective effect of concomitantly ingested antimuscarinic drugs and codeine

Twelve cases of paracetamol overdose are reported. Nine patients ingested antimuscarinic agents and/or codeine concomitantly. Our findings indicate that 'mixed' overdose of this type gives rise to marked attenuation of the rate of paracetamol absorption and, apparently, reduced morbidity associated with paracetamol poisoning. It is speculated that suitable antimuscarinic agents may be incorporated into paracetamol formulations to achieve inhibition of gastric emptying and to confer a degree of protection in case of overdose.