What are the dangers of overusing paracetamol?

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What are the dangers of overusing paracetamol? Thanks for asking. Paracetamol, a staple in UK households, is widely available over the counter and commonly used to alleviate headaches, toothaches, joint pain, flu symptoms, menstrual pain and fever. In the UK, paracetamol is one of the most frequently used painkillers. The British Medical Journal reports that from April 2022 to March 2023, 16 million prescriptions for paracetamol were dispensed in England alone. Additionally, an estimated 6,300 tonnes of paracetamol are sold annually in the UK, equating to about 70 tablets per person each year.

Is it safe because it's sold without a prescription?

Paracetamol is generally safe when taken in the correct doses. However, many consumers are unaware that overdose can cause severe liver damage, sometimes irreversible. According to the French National Drug Safety Agency, paracetamol overdose is the leading cause of liver transplants. Consequently, the agency has decided to place an overdose equals death pictogram on all paracetamol packaging. What happens after ingestion?

Once ingested, paracetamol is metabolized by the liver into a toxic substance. Under normal circumstances, the liver can eliminate this toxin. However, if it accumulates in large quantities, it can destroy liver cells and cause irreversible damage. If the liver becomes overwhelmed and fails to filter out toxins, these can reach the brain, leading to cerebral dysfunction. That's why people who consume large amounts of alcohol or suffer from liver disease should avoid taking paracetamol without consulting a doctor. How can you recognize an overdose? An overdose may be asymptomatic in the first few hours. After 24 hours, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain may appear. If the brain is affected, confusion and drowsiness can occur.

What should you do in the case of an overdose? Contact your doctor or poison control centre immediately. Health professionals may administer acetylcysteine orally or intravenously to reduce paracetamol toxicity. What are the safe dosage limits?

Adults should not exceed 3g of paracetamol per day, with no more than 1g per dose, and doses should be spaced at at least 4 hours apart. Paracetamol should not be taken for more than 5 days without consulting a doctor. Additionally, be cautious with other medications containing paracetamol to avoid unintentional overdose. There you have it. Now you know the dangers of overusing paracetamol. In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.

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