Abstract

Paracetamol is a remarkably safe analgesic for mild to moderate pain. Unfortunately it is commonly taken in overdose. Many of the 100–200 deaths occurring annually in Britain arise because patients present too late for effective treatment¹ with methionine or acetylcysteine, which are only effective when given within 16 hours or so of ingestion of the drug.^2,3 Pameton tablets (Winthrop) contain paracetamol 500mg + dl-methionine 250mg which is intended to protect the liver and kidneys in acute overdosage.