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Glass KA, Stoecker ZR, LeRoy J, Palmer CL, Stipek J, Boley S. Investigating a Novel Two-Bag N-Acetylcysteine Regimen for Acetaminophen Toxicity. J Med Toxicol 2024:10.1007/s13181-024-01010-3. [PMID: 38992233 DOI: 10.1007/s13181-024-01010-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acetaminophen toxicity remains one of the most common causes of liver failure and is treated with a course of n-acetylcysteine (NAC). This exceptionally effective medication is traditionally administered using a complicated three-bag protocol that is prone to administration errors. OBJECTIVE We aimed to assess whether switching to a novel two-bag protocol (150 mg/kg over 1 h followed by 150 mg/kg over 20 h) reduced administration errors while not increasing liver injury or anaphylactoid reactions. METHODS This was a retrospective chart review of hospital encounters for patients with acetaminophen toxicity, comparing outcomes before and after the change from a three-bag protocol to a two-bag protocol at two affiliated institutions. The primary outcome was incidence of medication errors with secondary outcomes including acute liver injury (ALI) and incidence of non-anaphylactoid allergic reactions (NAAR). The study was approved by the health system's Institutional Review Board. RESULTS 483 encounters were included for analysis (239 in the three-bag and 244 in the two-bag groups). NAAR were identified in 11 patients with no difference seen between groups. Similarly, no differences were seen in ALI. Medication administration errors were observed significantly less often in the two-bag group (OR 0.24) after adjusting for confounders. CONCLUSION Transitioning to a novel two-bag NAC regimen decreased administration errors. This adds to the literature that two-bag NAC regimens are not only safe but also may have significant benefits over the traditional NAC protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Glass
- Department of Pharmacy, Methodist Hospital, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Jenna LeRoy
- Twin Cities Medical Toxicology Fellowship, Regions Hospital, 640 Jackson St, 55101, St Paul, Minnesota, United States
| | - Casey L Palmer
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jordan Stipek
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Regions Hospital, St Paul, MN, United States
| | - Sean Boley
- Twin Cities Medical Toxicology Fellowship, Regions Hospital, 640 Jackson St, 55101, St Paul, Minnesota, United States.
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Prescott LF. Paracetamol (acetaminophen) poisoning: The early years. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:127-134. [PMID: 37683599 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) was marketed in the 1950s as a nonprescription analgesic/antipyretic without any preclinical toxicity studies. It became used increasingly for self-poisoning, particularly in the UK and was belatedly found to cause acute liver damage, which could be fatal. Management of poisoned patients was difficult as maximum abnormalities of liver function were delayed for 3 days or more after an overdose. There was no treatment and the mechanism of hepatotoxicity was not known. The paracetamol half-life was prolonged with liver damage occurring when it exceeded 4 h and the Rumack-Matthew nomogram was an important advance that allowed stratification of patients into separate zones of risk. It is used to guide prognosis and treatment and its predictive value could be increased by combining it with the paracetamol half-life. The problems of a sheep farmer in Australia in the early 1970s led to the discovery of the mechanism of paracetamol hepatotoxicity, and the first effective treatment of overdosage with intravenous (IV) cysteamine. This had unpleasant side effects and administration was difficult. N-acetylcysteine soon became the treatment of choice for paracetamol overdose and given early it was very effective when administered either IV or orally. N-acetylcysteine could cause anaphylactoid reactions, particularly early during IV administration when the concentrations were highest. Simpler and shorter regimes with slower initial rates of infusion have now been introduced with a reduced incidence of these adverse effects. In addition, there has been a move to use larger doses of N-acetylcysteine given over longer periods for patients who are more severely poisoned and those with risk factors. There has been much interest recently in the search for novel biomarkers such as microRNAs, procalcitonin and cyclophilin that promise to have greater specificity and sensitivity than transaminases. Paracetamol-protein adducts predict hepatotoxicity and are specific biomarkers of toxic paracetamol metabolite exposure. Another approach would be measurement of the plasma levels of cysteine and inorganic sulfate. It is 50 years since the first effective treatment for paracetamol poisoning and, apart from liver transplantation, there is still no effective treatment for patients who present late.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie F Prescott
- Emeritus Professor of Clinical Pharmacology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Daoud A, Dalhoff KP, Petersen TS. Paracetamol-induced acute kidney injury in the absence of acute liver injury: a retrospective cohort study. TOXICOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/24734306.2022.2117941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Daoud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and The Danish Poison Information Centre, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medical science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim Peder Dalhoff
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and The Danish Poison Information Centre, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tonny Studsgaard Petersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and The Danish Poison Information Centre, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Anaphylaxis due to first-time intravenous infusion of N-acetylcysteine in a dog. Top Companion Anim Med 2022; 51:100734. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcam.2022.100734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Gade C, Bøgevig S, Daoud A, Mathiesen PR, Christensen MB, Dalhoff KP, Petersen TS. Has the time come to stop routine N-acetylcysteine treatment in young children in Denmark? A review of 300 suspected paracetamol overdoses in children aged 0-6 years. Acta Paediatr 2022; 111:667-674. [PMID: 34773285 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the prevalence of potentially hepatoxic paracetamol ingestion and associated N-acetylcysteine treatment in young children suspected of paracetamol poisoning. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of children aged 0-6 years suspected of paracetamol poisoning with a related plasma-paracetamol measurement in the Capital Region of Denmark in the period 2010-2017. Data from the clinical laboratory system were linked to data from electronic patient records via the unique identification number given to all Danish residents. RESULTS Of 297 children included, suspected single paracetamol overdoses were present in 281 (95%). Sixty-nine per cent were treated with N-acetylcysteine, and the mean treatment period was 20.3 h (SD 20.8). A maximum of 6 (2%) of the children suspected of single overdose had plasma-paracetamol concentrations that exceeded the recommended treatment thresholds. No cases of severe hepatotoxicity were registered. Adverse events to N-acetylcysteine-treatment were registered in 3 (2%) children including one anaphylactoid reaction (0.5%). CONCLUSION This study shows that initiating N-acetylcysteine as a 'one size fit all' treatment regimen in all children aged 0-6 years with a suspected single paracetamol overdose leads to substantial overtreatment. The data support that it is feasible to initiate N-acetylcysteine within 10 h based on an early plasma-paracetamol test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Gade
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Copenhagen University HospitalBispebjerg and Frederiksberg Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Søren Bøgevig
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Copenhagen University HospitalBispebjerg and Frederiksberg Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Alaa Daoud
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Copenhagen University HospitalBispebjerg and Frederiksberg Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Pernille R. Mathiesen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine Copenhagen University Hospital, Herlev and Gentofte Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Mikkel B. Christensen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Copenhagen University HospitalBispebjerg and Frederiksberg Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
- Copenhagen Center for Translational Research Copenhagen University HospitalBispebjerg and Frederiksberg Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Kim P. Dalhoff
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Copenhagen University HospitalBispebjerg and Frederiksberg Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
| | - Tonny S. Petersen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology Copenhagen University HospitalBispebjerg and Frederiksberg Copenhagen Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine University of Copenhagen Copenhagen Denmark
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Akakpo JY, Ramachandran A, Curry SC, Rumack BH, Jaeschke H. Comparing N-acetylcysteine and 4-methylpyrazole as antidotes for acetaminophen overdose. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:453-465. [PMID: 34978586 PMCID: PMC8837711 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03211-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause hepatotoxicity and even liver failure. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is still the only FDA-approved antidote against APAP overdose 40 years after its introduction. The standard oral or intravenous dosing regimen of NAC is highly effective for patients with moderate overdoses who present within 8 h of APAP ingestion. However, for late-presenting patients or after ingestion of very large overdoses, the efficacy of NAC is diminished. Thus, additional antidotes with an extended therapeutic window may be needed for these patients. Fomepizole (4-methylpyrazole), a clinically approved antidote against methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning, recently emerged as a promising candidate. In animal studies, fomepizole effectively prevented APAP-induced liver injury by inhibiting Cyp2E1 when treated early, and by inhibiting c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and oxidant stress when treated after the metabolism phase. In addition, fomepizole treatment, unlike NAC, prevented APAP-induced kidney damage and promoted hepatic regeneration in mice. These mechanisms of protection (inhibition of Cyp2E1 and JNK) and an extended efficacy compared to NAC could be verified in primary human hepatocytes. Furthermore, the formation of oxidative metabolites was eliminated in healthy volunteers using the established treatment protocol for fomepizole in toxic alcohol and ethylene glycol poisoning. These mechanistic findings, together with the excellent safety profile after methanol and ethylene glycol poisoning and after an APAP overdose, suggest that fomepizole may be a promising antidote against APAP overdose that could be useful as adjunct treatment to NAC. Clinical trials to support this hypothesis are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jephte Y. Akakpo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Anup Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Steven C. Curry
- Division of Clinical Data Analytics and Decision Support, and Division of Medical Toxicology and Precision Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Barry H. Rumack
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
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Wong KK, Lee SWH, Kua KP. N-Acetylcysteine as Adjuvant Therapy for COVID-19 - A Perspective on the Current State of the Evidence. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2993-3013. [PMID: 34262324 PMCID: PMC8274825 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s306849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The looming severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a long-lasting pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) around the globe with substantial morbidity and mortality. N-acetylcysteine, being a nutraceutical precursor of an important antioxidant glutathione, can perform several biological functions in mammals and microbes. It has consequently garnered a growing interest as a potential adjunctive therapy for coronavirus disease. Here, we review evidence concerning the effects of N-acetylcysteine in respiratory viral infections based on currently available in vitro, in vivo, and human clinical investigations. The repurposing of a known drug such as N-acetylcysteine may significantly hasten the deployment of a novel approach for COVID-19. Since the drug candidate has already been translated into the clinic for several decades, its established pharmacological properties and safety and side-effect profiles expedite preclinical and clinical assessment for the treatment of COVID-19. In vitro data have depicted that N-acetylcysteine increases antioxidant capacity, interferes with virus replication, and suppresses expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cells infected with influenza viruses or respiratory syncytial virus. Furthermore, findings from in vivo studies have displayed that, by virtue of immune modulation and anti-inflammatory mechanism, N-acetylcysteine reduces the mortality rate in influenza-infected mice animal models. The promising in vitro and in vivo results have prompted the initiation of human subject research for the treatment of COVID-19, including severe pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Albeit some evidence of benefits has been observed in clinical outcomes of patients, precision nanoparticle design of N-acetylcysteine may allow for greater therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kon Ken Wong
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.,Faculty of Medicine, The National University of Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Shaun Wen Huey Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Asian Centre for Evidence Synthesis in Population, Implementation, and Clinical Outcomes (PICO), Health and Well-being Cluster, Global Asia in the 21st Century (GA21) Platform, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Gerontechnology Laboratory, Global Asia in the 21st Century (GA21) Platform, Monash University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Taylor's University, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Kok Pim Kua
- Puchong Health Clinic, Petaling District Health Office, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Petaling, Selangor, Malaysia
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Burnham K, Yang T, Smith H, Knight S. A review of alternative intravenous acetylcysteine regimens for acetaminophen overdose. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2021; 14:1267-1278. [PMID: 34187297 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2021.1946392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acetylcysteine is the standard treatment for preventing hepatotoxicity caused by acetaminophen overdose. Several novel approaches to the management of acetaminophen overdose have been suggested to improve patient safety by reducing adverse drug reactions and dosing errors. This article reviews these alternative treatment regimens and intends to offer a detailed assessment of the available options to assist providers in managing cases of acetaminophen overdose. AREAS COVERED This review article covers observational and experimental studies that assessed the efficacy and safety of alternative intravenous acetylcysteine regimens for acetaminophen overdose. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, ProQuest, and Scopus to identify the studies, which included results through April 2021. The assessment of alternative regimens consists of a discussion on the limitations and benefits, barriers to implementation, and important considerations for each regimen. EXPERT OPINION Several alternative regimens have been studied and implemented in various institutions. Many of these dosing regimens have supporting safety data but most lack robust data. A reduction in infusion-related side effects is an important outcome, but established efficacy, local poison center familiarity with the regimen, institutional resources, and patient-specific factors should be equally considered when deciding on implementing and using an alternative dosing strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Burnham
- Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Tianrui Yang
- Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Haleigh Smith
- Fisch College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Tyler, Tyler, TX, USA
| | - Steven Knight
- Methodist Mansfield Medical Center, Mansfield, TX, USA
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Daoud A, Dalhoff KP, Petersen TS. Comment on "The changing face of paracetamol toxicity and new regimens for an old antidote acetylcysteine". Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:2160-2161. [PMID: 33128254 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Daoud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and The Danish Poisons Information Centre, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kim Peder Dalhoff
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and The Danish Poisons Information Centre, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tonny Studsgaard Petersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and The Danish Poisons Information Centre, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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