Delayed toxic acetaminophen level after initial four hour nontoxic level

J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 1994;32(4):431-4. doi: 10.3109/15563659409011045.

Abstract

Antidotal therapy for acetaminophen poisoning is routinely based on a single acetaminophen level obtained four or more hours after ingestion. Some experts recommend additional acetaminophen levels if there are coingestants. This case report describes a 20-year-old woman who ingested acetaminophen 13 g, propoxyphene napsylate 2 g and naproxen sodium 3.75 g. A 4.5 h acetaminophen level was 83.5 mg/L (nontoxic). A 6.75 h acetaminophen level was 124.6 mg/L (toxic). The patient was treated with N-acetylcysteine and recovered without sequelae. This is the first published report of a delayed toxic acetaminophen level occurring after an initial nontoxic level. Although rare, the possibility of a delayed peak acetaminophen level merits consideration, particularly with coingestions that delay gastric emptying.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / blood*
  • Acetaminophen / poisoning*
  • Acetylcysteine / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Dextropropoxyphene / poisoning
  • Drug Overdose / blood
  • Drug Overdose / therapy
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Naproxen / poisoning
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Acetaminophen
  • Naproxen
  • Dextropropoxyphene
  • Acetylcysteine