THE UNTOLD ABUSE OF PARACETAMOL
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most commonly used pain relievers and fever-reducing medicines in the world. It is widely available as an over-the-counter drug and often considered safe when used in the right dose. However, the easy accessibility of paracetamol has led to its misuse and abuse, especially among young people who take it without proper medical guidance. Paracetamol abuse poses serious health risks that can lead to liver damage, organ failure, and even death.
Paracetamol is mainly used to treat mild to moderate pain such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, and fever. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the brain; chemicals that signal pain and regulate body temperature. When taken correctly (usually not more than 4 grams per day for adults), paracetamol is safe and effective. Problems arise when the drug is used excessively, mixed with alcohol, or combined with other paracetamol-containing medications.
🚨Causes of Paracetamol Abuse
Several factors contribute to the abuse of paracetamol.
- Ignorance or Lack of Awareness: Many people assume paracetamol is harmless since it’s common and easily available.
- Self-medication: Taking it without consulting a doctor for every minor pain or fever.
- Overdose for quick relief : Believing that taking more tablets will relieve pain faster.
- Peer Influence : Friends or family encouraging excessive use.
- Emotional distress or suicide attempts :Some intentionally overdose to cause harm.
- Easy Accessibility : It can be bought over the counter without a prescription.
- Combination with other drugs : Taking multiple medications containing paracetamol unknowingly.
- Liver damage or failure.
- Kidney damage.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side, due to liver strain.
- Jaundice, which is yellowing of the skin and eyes, showing liver injury.
- Fatigue and confusion which is caused by toxin buildup in the body.
- Death.
Effects of Paracetamol Abuse
The most dangerous effect of paracetamol abuse is liver toxicity. The liver breaks down paracetamol, but in large doses, harmful by-products accumulate and damage liver cells. Early symptoms of overdose include nausea, vomiting, sweating, and abdominal pain, which can progress to liver failure within a few days. Chronic misuse can also harm the kidneys and affect blood clotting. In severe cases, paracetamol poisoning can be fatal if medical treatment is not received on time.
Prevention and Control
Preventing paracetamol abuse requires awareness, education, and caution.
People should be taught that even common drugs can be dangerous when misused. Pharmacists and health educators must ensure that consumers understand proper dosage instructions. Schools and communities can organize sensitization programs on drug safety and self-medication risks. In addition, stricter regulations on the sale of large quantities of paracetamol can help reduce abuse.
Conclusively, while paracetamol is a helpful medicine when used properly, its abuse can have devastating consequences. The notion that “ordinary painkillers are harmless” is false and dangerous. Everyone must learn to use drugs responsibly, follow medical advice, and avoid taking medications without prescription. In essence, the power to stay healthy lies in using drugs wisely, not excessively.
#SayNoToDrugAbuse #YourHealthMatters #MakeInformedChoices
From;
Drug Free and Quality Control CDS, Calabar, Cross River State