Journal of toxicology. Clinical toxicology
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J. Toxicol. Clin. Toxicol. · Jan 1999
Activated charcoal reduces the need for N-acetylcysteine treatment after acetaminophen (paracetamol) overdose.
The evidence for efficacy of gastric lavage and activated charcoal for gastrointestinal decontamination in poisoning has relied entirely on volunteer studies and/or pharmacokinetic studies and evidence for any clinical benefits or resource savings is lacking. ⋯ Toxic concentrations of serum acetaminophen (paracetamol) are uncommon in patients ingesting less than 10 g. In those ingesting more, activated charcoal appears to reduce the number of patients who achieve toxic acetaminophen concentrations and thus may reduce the need for treatment and hospital stay.