Emergency department diagnosis and management of acetaminophen or salicylate toxicity.

Abstract

Acetaminophen and salicylate are among the most widely used nonprescription analgesics and are common causes of toxic medication overdose. Diagnostic and management approaches differ depending on whether toxicity results from a single acute ingestion or chronic supratherapeutic use. Although acetaminophen and salicylate toxicity are well studied, controversies remain regarding management. This review presents a systematic approach to the emergency department management of patients with acetaminophen or salicylate toxicity, including discussion of the tools used to assess severity, guide treatment decisions, and determine prognosis.