INFORMATION FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

PARACETAMOL OVERDOSE:

The National Poisons Information Centre (NPIC) recommendations for management of a paracetamol overdose have been changed. This follows recent approval by the Irish Medicines Board of simplified guidance on the treatment of paracetamol overdose with intravenous acetylcysteine (Parvolex). 

Key changes include hospital referral for:

1. All patients who have intentionally ingested paracetamol in the context of self-harm, regardless of the dose taken. 
2. Patients accidentally ingesting 75mg/kg or more of paracetamol in a single acute overdose.
3. All patients with chronic therapeutic excess, staggered paracetamol overdose, or where the time of ingestion is unknown.  

Further information is available if you click here.

 POISONS UPDATES

• Beta Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers
• Corrosive Products
• Digoxin
• Ethylene glycol
• Intralipid Therapy
• Lithium
• Methotrexate
• Glyphosate 
• Serotonin Syndrome
• Sodium Valproate; carnitine therapy
• Theophylline
• Tricyclic antidepressants

ANTIDOTES LISTDIRECTORY OF LABORATORY ASSAYS

NATIONAL POISONS INFORMATION CENTRE PUBLICATIONS (BIBLIOGRAPHY):

• Latest publications

• Papers

• Abstracts

The National Poisons Information Centre in Beaumont Hospital would like to thank everyone who provided information on toxicological analyses available in hospital laboratories in Ireland.  A booklet of the what assays are available in Irish Hospital laboratories is available in the publications section of the website.