Warning! Too much Paracetamol can cause death!!!

Paracetamol is a safe and effective painkiller when the correct amount is taken. But,
experts warn that taking a slightly overdose of paracetamol, over a long period of time, could kill because of its fatal effect on the liver, Reading the label or leaflet that comes with the paracetamol to ensure you do not accidentally exceed the recommended dose, especially when taking different medications for different ailments, is very important.
Sticking to the recommended dose of paracetamol is a safe and effective method of pain relief. Even taking slightly too much paracetamol, say in pills and cold remedies, day after day is deadly because it can cause overdose.
 Experts warn that in actual fact, the risk of dying from liver failure from taking slightly too much of paracetamol is higher from accidental overdose than deliberate suicide attempts. Researchers, who looked at the pattern of paracetamol use in over 600 paracetamol users admitted to a Scottish liver transplant unit over a 16-year period, who ended up needing special liver care after accidental and deliberate paracetamol overdoses, indicated that taking slightly more than is recommended can be fatal.
Paracetamol overdose in these individuals was defined as ingesting potentially toxic amounts of paracetamol (greater than four grammes/day, the equivalent of eight 500mg tablets) within seven days of being admitted to the unit.


People taking tablets for chronic pain might not realise they were taking too many or recognise symptoms of overdose and liver injury. Unfortunately, over time, the damage builds up and the effect can be fatal, the study published in the peer-reviewed British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology stated.
Paracetamol overdoses are the leading cause of acute liver failure in developed countries such as Britain, usually occurring when patients take a vast number of tablets all at once. Meanwhile, doctors are concerned that patients who take just slightly too many tablets of paracetamol than is required on a regular basis could be at even greater risk because their problem is harder to spot.


What is the recommended dose for paracetamol? According to Mr Micheal Irabor, Deputy Director Pharmaceutical Services, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Oyo State, the recommended dose for paracetamol varies and depending on the age. Each tablet of paracetamol usually contains 500miligrammes. Adults can take two tablets of paracetamol every eight hours , meaning an individual should not take more than eight tablets in a 24-hour period.
 It is for this same reason that people are cautioned on alcohol use as well as not to swallow drugs such as paracetamol with any alcoholic drink.
“Alcohol has a cumulative effect on the liver. At the same time, paracetamol’s primary area of breakdown is the liver, meaning that for a person that consumes lots of alcohol and is also taking drugs such as paracetamol, it is a dangerous combination.


Paradoxically, Mr Irabor declared that for people that drink alcohol, it may even be safer to reduce their dose of paracetamol in order not to overwork their liver. “Pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen should only be taken when there is an indication for it. You do not take such drugs in anticipation of a hectic day at work. Its over-dosage has led to liver damage. In developed countries, paracetamol is a drug many people take to commit suicide. Taking too much of it at once shuts up their liver and very soon they die.”
What is more, he stated that if pain does not subside after taking paracetamol for three days, it was better to seek medical help at the hospital.
“The fact is, taking more paracetamol than is recommended would not improve pain control. It may seriously damage your health. Rather than thinking a ‘top up’ dose may work, they could be given alternative pain control or referral to someone who can help with the cause of the pain, he said.

Culled from (www.tribune.com.ng)