Guest Post: BC moving to simplified IV N-acetylcysteine protocol for acetaminophen overdose
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Shared at the request of the British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre |
The British Columbia Drug and Poison Information Centre (BC DPIC) at the Provincial Health Services Authority has asked CPBC to notify pharmacy professionals of a recent article published in the BC Medical Journal (BCMJ) concerning a new two-step intravenous N-acetylcysteine (NAC) protocol for acetaminophen overdose.
The article outlines the planned rollout of the new protocol during the Fall of 2026 within hospital pharmacies across BC.
This change is being made in response to concerns raised by the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada (ISMP Canada) about issues associated with the traditional three-bag NAC regimen, that have led to reports of death or severe harm.
- Read the article: BC moving to simplified IV N-acetylcysteine protocol for acetaminophen overdose (BCMJ)
- Related: ISMP Canada Safety Bulletin: When the antidote causes harm: Preventing errors with intravenous acetylcysteine
Contact BC DPIC
For questions about the protocol, contact DPIC at 1‑800‑567‑8911.
DPIC is available 24 hours a day for advice on suspected or confirmed acetaminophen overdose and for questions about the transition.
For more information from DPIC, see the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 2 Dose for Acetaminophen Toxicity Resource Page.