Source · HSSIB Patient Safety Investigation
Unintentional overdose of paracetamol in adults with low bodyweight
HSSIB’s introductionThis investigation explores the prescription of oral paracetamol in adult inpatients who, on admission to hospital, have low bodyweight (less than 50kg).
Published 18 March 2022
Launched 8 April 2021
Published
HSIB Legacy
Medication
Indexed content
3 observations
Safety Observations
It may be beneficial for electronic prescribing and medication administration systems to include an alert for oral paracetamol that prompts documentation of a patient’s weight and consideration of the risk of liver toxicity when their weight is less than 50kg.
It may be beneficial for the evidence on oral paracetamol and low bodyweight to be reviewed by the relevant national bodies to reach a consensus and agree standardised prescribing guidance.
It may be beneficial for available technological solutions, such as beds with built-in scales, to be used to weigh patients. However, the cost of such equipment makes its widespread adoption within the NHS challenging.