Year: 1973 Source: Nursing Times, v.69, (July 19 1973), p.924-926 SIEC No: 19850375

Paracetamol is being used increasingly in suicide attempts & poses a major problem, as ill effects can be delayed (Hepatic failure is the main cause of death). Therefore, the difficult question of reducing toxic blood levels by dialysis before the dose taken is confirmed must be addressed. To be effective, treatment must start early; however, if the patient has not taken a lethal dose of the drug, he will be exposed unnecessarily to the risks of dialysis or haemoperfusion. (NBB)