Which medication is used as an antidote for acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose?

N-acetylcysteine is the specific antidote for acetaminophen overdose and is widely used in clinical practice. When acetaminophen is taken in excessive amounts, it can lead to severe liver damage as it depletes glutathione levels in the liver, preventing the liver from processing the drug safely.

N-acetylcysteine works by replenishing glutathione stores, which helps to neutralize the toxic metabolite of acetaminophen (NAPQI) and allows for safer metabolism of the drug. Administering N-acetylcysteine within a specific time frame after overdose—the earlier, the better—greatly reduces the risk of hepatic injury and improves the patient’s prognosis.

The other medications listed do not act as antidotes for acetaminophen overdose; they serve different purposes in medical treatment. Sodium bicarbonate is used to manage metabolic acidosis or certain types of drug overdoses, but not acetaminophen. Calcium chloride is primarily used for treating calcium deficiencies or addressing hyperkalemia and does not counteract acetaminophen toxicity. Romazicon (Flumazenil) is a benzodiazepine antagonist and is used to reverse benzodiazepine sedation but does not have any beneficial effect