Too much acetaminophen can cause hepatitis; understand the risks

*This text has been prepared based on scientific articles, information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for better guidance on the consumption of any medication.

This paracetamol It is a drug with analgesic and antipyretic effects, which is widely used to reduce pain and fever. But despite being one safe medicineIndiscriminate use can cause drug-induced hepatitis and death.

The maximum recommended dose in a 24-hour period is a maximum of 3 grams to 4 grams. Within this dosage, the drug is safe and should not cause side effects.

However, it should not be forgotten that paracetamol It is also found in other medicines. Therefore, it is important to check the package inserts to be sure of the ingredients and dosages of the drug. It is recommended not to use two drugs containing paracetamol It can also happen because of an accidental overdose. It is not recommended to use the drug and consume alcohol at the same time.

But how does it work and what are the safe doses of acetaminophen?

This paracetamol It is metabolized by the liver and produces mostly non-toxic and organ-harming substances. But if you use medicine If it is above the specified, the toxic substances formed cannot be destroyed by the body and damage the liver cells. If not treated promptly, the lesions can cause hepatitis and ultimately organ failure and death.

Doses indicated for each age group are up to 4 grams for adults and children over 12 years old. For children aged 2 to 11 years, the dose in 24 hours should not exceed 50 micrograms to 75 micrograms; A doctor should be consulted to confirm the safe dose for children under 11 pounds, under 2 years old, or under 20 pounds.

In case of overdose, signs and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of appetite may occur, and if hepatitis has started, the eyes may turn yellow.

Exceeding the daily dose limit in case of accidental, intentional or even suspected overdose medication exceeded, immediate medical attention is recommended. If possible, it is important to take the package or leaflet of the medicine you are using with you.

Accidents with Paracetamol

This paracetamol It is one of the most widely used non-opioid analgesics worldwide. However, in some countries, accidents with an overdose of this drug have become common.

In a survey conducted by postgraduate students of Pharmacy Sciences at Sorocaba University in Brazil, it was noted that 763 cases of paracetamol poisoning were reported in 2017, according to data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN).

Currently, paracetamol is widely used to combat post-vaccination symptoms such as pain and fever, and the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) warns about caution when using the drug.

Although paracetamol has already been proven to be a safe drug like all drugs, it carries risks when used carelessly.

It is very important to always consult your doctor and the instructions for use in order to be informed about drugs that cannot be used together and not to associate the use with other drugs. In this way, we can minimize the risk of accidents and avoid health problems and sequelae for the rest of our lives.

Matter RBFHSS: rbfhss.org.br/sbrafh/article/download/660/594