Excessive intake of paracetamol can be dangerous, know important things related to safe use

The use of paracetamol is common in India. People also start taking it by themselves on minor symptoms of fever or pain. Recently, an American doctor’s social media post caught attention to this trend, stating that people in India eat paracetamol as “candy”. However, this discussion has also raised an important question – can excessive or uncontrolled intake of paracetamol become a threat to health?

Why is the excessive use of paracetamol in India worrying?

Dr. Shiba Kalyan Biswal, Clinical Director (Pulmonology), Medanta Asian Hospitals, Gurugram:

• People in India often consume paracetamol without doctor’s advice.

• Its self-medication has become very normal due to over-the-counter availability.

• Consuming it for a long time or excessive amounts of liver, kidney and digestive system can cause damage.

What is safe dose?

• Adults should not exceed a maximum of 4 grams per day.

• For more than 10 to 15 days in a month, continuous use is considered overuse.

• Consuming regular high amounts can increase the risk of liver and kidney failure.

Possible threats related to paracetamol

• Liver damage

• Kidney failure

• Gastrointestinal problems

• Thrombocytopenia

• Hypercasementality reaction

• In severe cases it suppresses hidden diseases, which does not allow timely to be identified.

There is a headache, but not fever – is it safe to take?

• According to Dr. Biswal, it is safe to take paracetamol occasionally for light to moderate headache.

• But do not take it regularly without consulting a doctor in repeated headaches.

• Prolonged use can lead to dependence on the body and internal damage.

How to use paracetamol safely?

• Take it with food or with water, so that the effect on the stomach is reduced.

• Follow the dose mentioned by the doctor and time.

• Check other drugs as many common drugs include paracetamol.

• Do not consume it with alcohol, as it puts excessive pressure on the liver.

• If the symptoms are unclear, do not consume a doctor without advice.