What liver detoxification method is recommended for acetaminophen overdose?

In cases of acetaminophen overdose, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the recommended treatment and serves as a critical antidote. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and in overdose situations, it can lead to the depletion of glutathione, an important antioxidant. This depletion results in the accumulation of toxic metabolites, which can cause severe liver damage.

NAC works by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, thereby preventing or mitigating further damage caused by the toxic metabolites of acetaminophen. It can effectively reduce the risk of liver injury when administered within a certain time frame following the overdose, typically within 8 to 10 hours, although it can still be beneficial even after that period.

Other methods like activated charcoal can help limit the absorption of acetaminophen if given shortly after the overdose, but they do not address the underlying metabolic and toxicological issues. Gastric lavage may be useful in specific scenarios but is generally less effective compared to NAC for treating acetaminophen toxicity. Intravenous fluids might be necessary to treat dehydration or support overall fluid balance but do not have a direct role in detoxifying acetaminophen. Thus, NAC is the primary therapeutic option for managing acetaminophen