Unpredictable consequences of paracetamol overdose

The patient was admitted to the hospital in a state of fatigue, with limp limbs and no longer able to control herself. The family said that the patient had a history of diabetes for more than 10 years and was taking medication for diabetes. She also had frequent headaches, and many visits to the doctor did not detect any specific pathology, so she kept the habit of buying medicine herself. Whenever she had a headache, she used paracetamol combined with some brain tonics without a doctor's prescription.

Paracetamol is a non-prescription drug that is safe when used in the correct dose.

Photo: DAO NGOC THACH

Late at night on May 21, the patient had a severe headache so she took a few paracetamol pills. Because the pain did not subside, she continued to take more. According to the family's estimate, the patient had taken about 20 paracetamol pills in a row and had to be rushed to the emergency room that night. At the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the patient was given emergency treatment with a diagnosis of paracetamol poisoning. Currently, her health is stable.

Dr. Tran Van Bac, Deputy Head of the Emergency Department, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is a common pain reliever and fever reducer, often used in cases of mild to moderate pain, fever due to colds or flu. The drug is easily purchased, does not require a prescription and is generally very safe when used in the correct dose. However, if abused or overdosed, paracetamol can cause serious poisoning, especially liver damage, even leading to acute liver failure if not intervened promptly.

Doctor Tran Van Bac advises people not to use painkillers without knowing the cause of the disease. Continuously taking many pills or combining drugs with the same active ingredient paracetamol can easily lead to overdose without the user realizing it.

When there are signs of suspected drug poisoning such as nausea, fatigue, pain in the liver area, jaundice, confusion, etc., the patient should be taken to a medical facility as soon as possible. In particular, the elderly and people with underlying diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, kidney disease, etc. should consult a doctor before using any medication, including non-prescription drugs.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hau-qua-kho-luong-khi-dung-paracetamol-qua-lieu-185250525190826518.htm