It is a common sight that students carry Paracetamol tablets in their bags. They don’t hesitate to take it whenever they feel slight headache or stomachache or body pain. This habit they have acquired from their parents. In almost all the kitchens near to the drinking water tap, we can find the Paracetamol tablets. Recent studies have shown that the over dosages of Paracetamol leads to 'paracetamol toxicity,' which mainly results into liver injury and ultimately death. It is one of the most common causes of poisoning all over world.
Paracetamol (Crocin, Panadol, Tylenol ) is derived from coal tar. It belongs to the class of drugs known as "aniline analgesics. It is a popular and common analgesic and antipyretic drug used for relieving fever, headaches, and other minor aches and pains. The drug acts in the brain by blocking the production of chemicals, known as prostaglandins, which are responsible for pain transmission.
Some Of The Effects Of Over Dosage Of Paracetomol Tablets
Ø High dose-usage (greater than 2,000 mg per day) of paracetamol increases the risk of upper gastrointestinal complications like stomach bleeding.
Ø Heavy use of paracetamol (300 grams a year or 1 g per day on average) has been linked to a condition known as 'Small Indented and Calcified Kidneys' (SICK).
Ø A study in 2008 on long term side effects of paracetamol tablets in children found that administering paracetamol for fever in the first year of life was linked with an increase in the incidence of asthmatic symptoms at 6–7 years. It also stated that use of paracetamol (both in the first year of life and in children aged 6–7 years) was associated with an increased incidence of rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema.
Ø Paracetamol used excessively damages multiple organs, particularly the liver and kidney where toxicity from paracetamol is not from the drug itself but from one of its metabolites, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI).
Ø Paracetamol hepatotoxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure- one of the most dangerous side effects of paracetamol.
The drug has certain side effects that can affect individuals in different ways. The side effects that are often associated with the drug are Nausea and Rashes. Habitual use of paracetamol leads to decrease in threshold for pain in a person. This means that the endurance level for pain reduces in that person.
People who already face liver problems, kidney problems should not take Paracetamol tablets. Paracetamol should not be taken when alcohol is consumed as this increases the risk of liver toxicity. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should consult doctor before taking Paracetamol. Consultation with doctor is also required if someone needs to combine Paracetamol with any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like aspirin, ibuprofen etc, blood thinner drugs, and oral contraceptives. We should never take a double dose of Paracetamol.
The main reason for the spread of Paracetomol usage is its ease of access. If parents, teachers and other community workers work in a combined way, we can create awareness among the children and stop the future generation from this SELF-POISONING.
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