Efferalgan is a drug whose active principle is paracetamol, a chemical compound used mainly to treat colds or flu (analgesic properties). It is presented in routes of administration such as oral, rectal and intravenous; It acts by inhibiting prostaglandins, cells that are responsible for generating pain associated with the presence of colds. It is a fairly common product, available without a prescription and at a really affordable price, which is why it is quite popular with consumers.
Normally, the doses that are administered are always very safe, that is, there is not much risk of poisoning. However, due to its availability, many cases of overdose have been found, either due to suicide attempts or the accidental ingestion of many grams, although to achieve this, at least 10 mg a day must be consumed. Alcohol enhances the effects of it, so the metabolization process is altered and it does not break down completely. Liver damage is one of the most common consequences of overdose, but this can be prevented with gastric lavage., the application of activated carbon (absorbs all the chemical) or the constant administration of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), stimulating a series of cellular moderators to react and attack the poison; In case this does not work, a liver transplant should be performed.
The absorption of this drug occurs quickly and with a high percentage, enhancing this with oral administration, as well as with the renal route. The liver plays a very important role in the degradation process, for this reason it is almost always quite affected by efferalgan intoxication. In 24 hours, the drug is completely eliminated from the body, being expelled through the urine.
