Paracetamol Overdose (Paediatrics)
CHHS16/177
Canberra Hospital and Health Services
Placeholder
Paracetamol Overdose – Assessment and Management of Paediatric
Patients
Purpose
The Paracetamol Overdose – Assessment and Management Practice
Guideline has been developed to provide direction to clinicians and
is aimed at achieving the best possible paediatric care. The
practice guideline was prepared for the Sydney Children’s Hospital
Network by an expert clinical reference group.
It should be noted that this document reflects what is currently
regarded as a safe and appropriate approach to care. However, as in
any clinical situation there may be factors which cannot be covered
by a single set of guidelines. This document should be used as a
guide, and does not replace the need for the application of
clinical judgment to each individual presentation.
Please note: The hyperlinked document states that all cases of
paracetamol overdose must be discussed with the NSW Poisons
Information Centre (13 11 26) – this service extends to the ACT,
and all cases at Canberra Hospital and Health Services (CHHS) must
be discussed with them.
Further notes: N-Acetyl cysteine (NAC) may be diluted in 5%
dextrose or 0.9% saline (normal saline). It can also be
diluted in combination dextrose-saline solutions not exceeding
these concentrations including 0.45% saline in 5% dextrose, and
0.9% saline in 5% dextrose.
The volume and choice of fluid for each stage of the infusion
needs to be appropriate for the age and weight of the child and
clinical circumstances.
Scope
This document relates to the assessment and management of
paediatric patients (infant, children and adolescents) who have had
a paracetamol overdose due to accidental or intentional ingestion
of paracetamol, toxicity due to repetitive supra-therapeutic doses
of paracetamol, or iatrogenic poisoning.
This guideline is applicable to the Paediatric Department,
Emergency Department, and Intensive Care Unit of Canberra Hospital
and Health Services.
This document applies to the following Canberra Hospital Health
Services (CHHS) staff working within their scope of practice:
Medical Officers
Registered Nurses and Midwives
Student Nurses and Midwives working under supervision.
Which area in ACT Health can I contact for more information?
Chelsey Helliwell – Paediatric Clinical Support Nurse
Phone: 61747492 or 61426210
Email: [email protected]
Department of Paediatrics
Women, Youth and Children
How can I access the document?
The Sydney Children’s Hospital Network
http://www.schn.health.nsw.gov.au/_policies/pdf/2014-9041.pdf
Search Terms
Paracetamol, Panadol, Overdose, Ingestion, NAC, N – acetyl
cysteine, Hepatotoxicity
Disclaimer: This document has been developed by ACT Health,
Canberra Hospital and Health Services specifically for its own use.
Use of this document and any reliance on the information contained
therein by any third party is at his or her own risk and Health
Directorate assumes no responsibility whatsoever.
Date Amended
Section Amended
Approved By
Eg: 17 August 2014
Section 1
ED/CHHSPC Chair
Doc Number
Version
Issued
Review Date
Area Responsible
Page
CHHS16/177
1
27/09/2016
01/10/2018
WY&C – Paediatrics
1 of 2
Do not refer to a paper based copy of this policy document. The
most current version can be found on the ACT Health Policy
Register
