Early Urine Alkalinization and N-Acetylcysteine Administration in the Management of Hair Dye (Paraphenylene Diamine) Intoxication

Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is an organic compound with the formula C6H4(NH2). It is the derivative of aniline, which is a white substance that turns black on oxidation, called paraphenylaniline, which is soluble in hydrogen peroxide. Intoxication with hair dye (PPD) has become a standard method of intentional self-harm in some parts of Africa and Asia because it is cheap and readily available in the market(5). It can cause contact dermatitis in susceptible individuals. The glutathione (GSH) levels are depleted in PPD poisoning. The antioxidant GSH plays a vital role in the maintenance of cell viability, DNA replication, and the regulation of immune cell functions. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) acts as an antioxidant both directly as a glutathione substitute and indirectly as a precursor for glutathione.