Which antidote is used for acetaminophen toxicity?

Which antidote is used for acetaminophen toxicity?

• A. Flumazenil
• B. N-acetylcysteine
• C. Leucovorin
• D. Digiband

Answer: (B)

The appropriate antidote for acetaminophen toxicity is N-acetylcysteine. This substance works by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, which are depleted when acetaminophen is metabolized into its toxic metabolite, NAPQI. In cases of overdose, N-acetylcysteine effectively detoxifies this harmful metabolite, helping to prevent liver damage and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with acetaminophen toxicity. As for the other options, they serve different purposes in clinical practice. Flumazenil is utilized as an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose, which is unrelated to acetaminophen. Leucovorin is a form of folic acid that is often used to treat methotrexate toxicity and to mitigate the effects of certain chemotherapeutic agents. Digiband is specific for treating toxicity related to digoxin and is not applicable to acetaminophen overdose.

The appropriate antidote for acetaminophen toxicity is N-acetylcysteine. This substance works by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, which are depleted when acetaminophen is metabolized into its toxic metabolite, NAPQI. In cases of overdose, N-acetylcysteine effectively detoxifies this harmful metabolite, helping to prevent liver damage and reducing morbidity and mortality associated with acetaminophen toxicity.

As for the other options, they serve different purposes in clinical practice. Flumazenil is utilized as an antidote for benzodiazepine overdose, which is unrelated to acetaminophen. Leucovorin is a form of folic acid that is often used to treat methotrexate toxicity and to mitigate the effects of certain chemotherapeutic agents. Digiband is specific for treating toxicity related to digoxin and is not applicable to acetaminophen overdose.