Acetylcysteine is used to treat overdose of which substance?

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Multiple Choice

Acetylcysteine is used to treat overdose of which substance?

Explanation:
Overdose of acetaminophen can cause severe liver injury because the drug is metabolized to a highly reactive compound (NAPQI) that damages liver cells once glutathione stores are exhausted. Acetylcysteine works because it supplies a sulfhydryl group that helps replenish hepatic glutathione and also directly conjugates NAPQI, turning it into a non-toxic substance that can be safely eliminated. This makes acetylcysteine the best treatment option for acetaminophen overdose, especially when started early—ideally within 8 to 10 hours after ingestion, though it can still offer benefit later on. It’s not used for overdoses of narcotics, benzodiazepines, or ethanol, which are treated with different antidotes or supportive measures.

Overdose of acetaminophen can cause severe liver injury because the drug is metabolized to a highly reactive compound (NAPQI) that damages liver cells once glutathione stores are exhausted. Acetylcysteine works because it supplies a sulfhydryl group that helps replenish hepatic glutathione and also directly conjugates NAPQI, turning it into a non-toxic substance that can be safely eliminated. This makes acetylcysteine the best treatment option for acetaminophen overdose, especially when started early—ideally within 8 to 10 hours after ingestion, though it can still offer benefit later on. It’s not used for overdoses of narcotics, benzodiazepines, or ethanol, which are treated with different antidotes or supportive measures.

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