What is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity?

N-acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen toxicity because it replenishes glutathione stores in the liver, which are depleted by excessive acetaminophen intake. Acetaminophen is metabolized in the liver, and in cases of overdose, toxic metabolites can accumulate and lead to liver damage. N-acetylcysteine works by reacting with these harmful metabolites, making them less toxic and promoting their excretion. This intervention is most effective when given within 8-10 hours after the overdose, but it may still provide benefits even later, depending on the circumstances of the poisoning.

The other options listed serve different purposes and are not effective antidotes for acetaminophen toxicity. Activated charcoal is used to reduce the absorption of various toxic substances if administered shortly after ingestion but does not treat the effects of acetaminophen overdose. Flumazenil is a benzodiazepine antagonist that is used to reverse the effects of benzodiazepine overdoses, not acetaminophen. Vitamin K is an antidote for anticoagulant poisoning (e.g., warfarin) and does not play a role in treating acetaminophen toxicity. Thus, understanding the specific mechanism and application of N-acetylcyste