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What Are The Repercussions Of Accidental Overdose Of Panadol?
Question: A child took 10 tabs of Panadol and slept immediately. When her sister waked her she couldn't recognize her sister niether her parents for almost an hour. She was black out. She was frighten an confused. When she started to reconnect and recognize us, she was complaining of very strong pain in her head. Could you please advise what might happen to her and what is your advices. Thank you
Brief Answer:
Panadol intoxication possible
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and your concern is understandable.
10 tablets of Panadol is a big dose which can be dangerous for any individual. For a child (although you give no information on the child's age and weight) its repercussions can be even more serious. it can cause severe liver damage which in turn may cause metabolic alterations with accumulation of toxic substances in the blood which could justify those symptoms.
So I recommend for you to present to an emergency room in order to get emergent evaluation of her general state and lab tests for her liver function.
Another possibility to explain her confusion and headache, in case liver damage is excluded by test, might be stroke. It remains an urgent condition so the recommendation to present to the ER remains the same only that in that case brain imaging is needed as well.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Panadol intoxication possible
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and your concern is understandable.
10 tablets of Panadol is a big dose which can be dangerous for any individual. For a child (although you give no information on the child's age and weight) its repercussions can be even more serious. it can cause severe liver damage which in turn may cause metabolic alterations with accumulation of toxic substances in the blood which could justify those symptoms.
So I recommend for you to present to an emergency room in order to get emergent evaluation of her general state and lab tests for her liver function.
Another possibility to explain her confusion and headache, in case liver damage is excluded by test, might be stroke. It remains an urgent condition so the recommendation to present to the ER remains the same only that in that case brain imaging is needed as well.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr.Olsi,
Her age is 13 and weighs 65 kg. the results of liver function test is normal except for alkaline Phosphatase which is reported as 192.53 IU/L against normal value of (20-140). All other blood test looks ok. What is your view on this?
Secondly which is still I'm having concern is the back out, why she couldn't recognize us when she waked up? can Pandol really cause stroke?
Currently she is normal with no complains.
thank you once again
Her age is 13 and weighs 65 kg. the results of liver function test is normal except for alkaline Phosphatase which is reported as 192.53 IU/L against normal value of (20-140). All other blood test looks ok. What is your view on this?
Secondly which is still I'm having concern is the back out, why she couldn't recognize us when she waked up? can Pandol really cause stroke?
Currently she is normal with no complains.
thank you once again
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
The fact that the tests are normal is reassuring. Also for that age and weight her body should be able to cope with that dose.
Panadol is not a cause for stroke, it is not directly related. However an intense headache and acute change in mental status do prompt for evaluation for brain involvement either by stroke or also an infection, both can cause such a clinical picture. That is why I said an urgent evaluation was and remains advisable.
The fact that she is feeling completely normal so soon (you do not mention any times but I assume less then 24 hours) lowers the chances of such brain lesions which do not improve spontaneously so soon as. That raises the possibility of a psychological nature of the symptoms. You do not mention why did she take the panadol. I had assumed that it was a case of a small child who ingested them without knowing what they were, but at that age she should be able to make the difference. Was she perhaps under great distress? Could she have taken the pills on purpose as a suicide attempt or simply to attract attention? If that is the situation the episode of confusion could well have a psychological origin after the trauma undergone, a dissociation from reality, as a coping mechanism under pressure, it is not uncommon.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
The fact that the tests are normal is reassuring. Also for that age and weight her body should be able to cope with that dose.
Panadol is not a cause for stroke, it is not directly related. However an intense headache and acute change in mental status do prompt for evaluation for brain involvement either by stroke or also an infection, both can cause such a clinical picture. That is why I said an urgent evaluation was and remains advisable.
The fact that she is feeling completely normal so soon (you do not mention any times but I assume less then 24 hours) lowers the chances of such brain lesions which do not improve spontaneously so soon as. That raises the possibility of a psychological nature of the symptoms. You do not mention why did she take the panadol. I had assumed that it was a case of a small child who ingested them without knowing what they were, but at that age she should be able to make the difference. Was she perhaps under great distress? Could she have taken the pills on purpose as a suicide attempt or simply to attract attention? If that is the situation the episode of confusion could well have a psychological origin after the trauma undergone, a dissociation from reality, as a coping mechanism under pressure, it is not uncommon.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you Dr. Olsi and appreciate your good advices and sorry for not providing full history to you.
she took the extra pills thinking that the headache will disapper quickly. I agree she wad not being aware about the cosequences of overdosing.
I will consider your advices.
Thank you
she took the extra pills thinking that the headache will disapper quickly. I agree she wad not being aware about the cosequences of overdosing.
I will consider your advices.
Thank you
Brief Answer:
Thank you
Detailed Answer:
I am optimistic that she will be fine since everything's got back to normal.
Wishing you all the best.
Thank you
Detailed Answer:
I am optimistic that she will be fine since everything's got back to normal.
Wishing you all the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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