Veterinary and human toxicology
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The mainstay of treatment for acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity, produced by the accumulation of the toxic metabolite N-acetylbenzoquinoneimine, is an enteral 18-dose course of N-acetylcysteine (NAC). However, absence of characteristic symptomatology is a frequent reason for premature cessation of NAC and early discharge of the toxic acetaminophen poisoned patient. We report a series of confirmed acetaminophen poisonings who were discharged early with NAC and instructions to self-administer. ⋯ All 6 patients remained asymptomatic with normal liver function testing. Since health care reform encourages practitioners to reconsider established approaches to the delivery of health care, perhaps home delivery of NAC would not only be clinically preferred to premature cessation of the antidote, but also offer cost savings. Self-administration of NAC in the home setting may be representative of a new era in America's health care delivery system.
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Comparative Study
The effects of verapamil and lidocaine on the duration of propofol and xylazine-ketamine anesthesia in broiler chickens.
The effects of verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, and lidocaine, a sodium channel blocker, administration on the duration of 1 mg propofol/kg i.v. or 5 mg xylazine/kg + 15 mg ketamine/kg i.m. anesthesia were examined in 1 and 6-w-old broiler chickens. The use of 2.5 or 1.25 mg verapamil/kg i.m. or 5 mg lidocaine/kg im prolonged the sleep time induced by the anesthetic agents. Administration of 5 mg verapamil/kg i.m. caused unexpected acute toxicity and mortality. This study suggests that propofol and xylazine + ketamine anesthesia in broilers may be modulated by calcium and sodium channels.