METHIONINE

Amino acid and antidote. In paracetamol poisoning, it prevents paracetamol metabolites from damaging the liver

Dosage Forms

▼

Tablet

250 mg

Uses

▼
  • Paracetamol overdose

Dose and Duration

▼
Paracetamol overdose

Adult and child > 6 years: 2.5–3 mg/kg every 4 hours for 2 days, then 3 mg/kg every 6–12 hours on the 3rd day. Continue with 3 mg/kg every 12–24 hours for 10 days or until recovery

Child under 6 years: 1 g initially followed by 3 further doses of 1 g every 4 hours

Side Effects

▼
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Drowsiness, irritability

Pregnancy

▼
  • Can be used

Breast-feeding

▼
  • Can be used

⚠️ Caution

▼
  • Use within 10–12 hours of ingestion of paracetamol and if patient is not vomiting
  • Use with caution in severe liver disease since it may precipitate hepatic encephalopathy
  • Avoid concurrent use with activated charcoal