Methionine paracetamol overdose

Although the investigation of the mechanism underlying paracetamol hepatotoxicity has been of intrinsic toxicological interest, there has also been a particularly significant benefit that has arisen from this work. This is the development of an antidote that is now successfully used for the treatment of paracetamol overdose. The antidote now most commonly used is N-acetylcysteine, although methionine is also used in some cases, as it can be given orally. There are various mechanisms by which N-a cetyl cysteine may act ... 

Methionine is included in some proprietary paracetamol products (Pameton Smith Kline Beecham), since it counteracts some serious side-effects that are encountered with paracetamol overdosing through helping to restore glutathione levels that are the body s natural defence against products of oxidised paracetamol. However, the recommended antidote (bearing in mind the toxicity of methionine) is intravenous /V-acetyl-L-cysteine, which, in any case, reaches the liver of the overdosed patient faster. 

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