Which substance can potentially cause liver necrosis?

Which substance can potentially cause liver necrosis?

• A. Ibuprofen
• B. Acetaminophen
• C. Aspirin
• D. Codeine

Answer: (B)

Acetaminophen is well-known for its potential to cause liver necrosis, especially when taken in excessive doses. The liver metabolizes acetaminophen, and in high amounts, it becomes overwhelmed, leading to the production of toxic metabolites. These metabolites can damage liver cells, resulting in necrosis, which is the death of tissue. In cases of overdose, this can lead to acute liver failure and potentially be fatal if not treated promptly. Other substances listed, while they may pose various health risks, do not have the same well-documented association with liver necrosis as acetaminophen does. For instance, ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) generally associated with gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues rather than direct liver damage. Codeine, an opioid, primarily affects the central nervous system and does not have the same risk of causing liver necrosis. Thus, acetaminophen stands out as the substance with a clear link to liver necrosis under certain conditions.

Acetaminophen is well-known for its potential to cause liver necrosis, especially when taken in excessive doses. The liver metabolizes acetaminophen, and in high amounts, it becomes overwhelmed, leading to the production of toxic metabolites. These metabolites can damage liver cells, resulting in necrosis, which is the death of tissue. In cases of overdose, this can lead to acute liver failure and potentially be fatal if not treated promptly.

Other substances listed, while they may pose various health risks, do not have the same well-documented association with liver necrosis as acetaminophen does. For instance, ibuprofen and aspirin are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) generally associated with gastrointestinal and cardiovascular issues rather than direct liver damage. Codeine, an opioid, primarily affects the central nervous system and does not have the same risk of causing liver necrosis. Thus, acetaminophen stands out as the substance with a clear link to liver necrosis under certain conditions.