The antidote of Paracetamol poisoning is:

Appeared in: Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Explanation

N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the specific and standard antidote for poisoning caused by paracetamol (acetaminophen).
In an overdose, paracetamol metabolism produces a toxic byproduct, NAPQI, which depletes the liver's natural antioxidant, glutathione.
NAC works by replenishing glutathione stores in the liver, which allows the toxic NAPQI to be neutralized and safely excreted, thus preventing or reducing liver damage.
For maximum effectiveness, NAC should be administered as soon as possible, ideally within 8-10 hours of the overdose.

Option B: Morphine is an opioid analgesic used for pain management, not an antidote for paracetamol.
Option C: Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant (blood thinner), not an antidote.
Option D: Heparin is an injectable anticoagulant, not an antidote for paracetamol.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Pharmacology: Antidotes for common drug poisonings as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses play a critical role in the timely administration of N-acetylcysteine for paracetamol overdose, as its effectiveness is highly time-dependent.
A key nursing responsibility is to monitor the patient for potential anaphylactoid (allergic-like) reactions during intravenous NAC infusion and to manage them promptly.
Nurses must also monitor liver function tests (LFTs), prothrombin time (PT/INR), and renal function to assess the extent of organ damage and the patient's response to treatment.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the question type. This is a direct factual recall question from pharmacology.
The keywords are 'antidote' and 'Paracetamol poisoning'. The question asks for the specific substance that counteracts paracetamol toxicity.
Access your knowledge base about common drug poisonings and their specific antidotes.
Evaluate each option: A) N-acetylcysteine, B) Morphine, C) Warfarin, D) Heparin.
Recall that N-acetylcysteine is directly linked to paracetamol overdose treatment.
Confirm by mentally eliminating the other options. Morphine is an opioid (antidote: naloxone), and Warfarin/Heparin are anticoagulants (antidotes: Vitamin K/Protamine Sulfate). This confirms N-acetylcysteine is the correct choice.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Medicine Davidson Principles Practice 24e p. 158-160

Practise the full Combined AIIMS - 2020 (Jodhpur, Bhopal, Patna, Raipur)

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.