- You are here:
- Home
- Health information
- Health in the news
- 2011
- Extra health risks with staggered paracetamol overdoses
Extra health risks with staggered paracetamol overdoses
23 November 2011
Actions
Rate this page
Need more information?
People who take a staggered overdose of paracetamol are at an increased risk of developing liver damage, according to a study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
The researchers wanted to find out whether people who took staggered overdoses (two or more overdoses of paracetamol over eight hours or longer) were more likely to develop health problems, or die, than people who took a single overdose. They defined an overdose as more than 4g of paracetamol, either as one dose, or cumulatively over 24 hours.
The medical records of 663 people who were admitted to hospital with paracetamol-induced liver damage were looked at. Of those, 161 had taken a staggered overdose. At 30 days after first being admitted to hospital, those who had taken staggered overdoses were less likely to survive (63 percent) than those who took a single overdose (72 percent), without needing a liver transplant.
Interestingly, those people who took a staggered overdose were older and more likely to have a history of alcohol abuse.
Dr Prerna Sharma, Senior Physician for Bupa, said: “When taken in the right doses, over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol are safe and effective. But, as shown in this study, taking overdoses can be harmful and potentially fatal.
“It can sometimes be quite easy to take too much paracetamol without even realising. For example, if you’re dosing up on cold and flu remedies at this time of year, make sure you read the full list of ingredients as these can quite often contain paracetamol.
"If you’re taking paracetamol over a number of days or months, you may find it helpful to keep a pain and medicine diary to help keep track of what you’re taking, and to make sure you’re using your painkillers in the most safe and effective way. Make sure you always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask a health professional for advice if you’re unsure about what you should be taking.”
The study looked at people who were admitted to the Scottish Liver Transplantation Unit for paracetamol-induced liver damage, rather than everyone in the population who took a paracetamol overdose. These results can’t be generalised to the majority of people who take a paracetamol overdose, because most do not develop the severe liver damage that the people in this study had.
Key facts
- Paracetamol is an over-the-counter medicine that can be taken for mild to moderate pain and fever.
- The British National Formulary recommends that an adult dose of paracetamol taken by mouth (orally) is between 0.5 and 1g every four to six hours, to a maximum of 4g per day.
- Doses of paracetamol for children vary by age, so ask a health professional for advice and always read the patient information that comes with the medicine.
How can we help you?
Talk to a private GP in confidence
Male and female doctors make up Bupa's team of highly experienced GPs with all the empathetic qualities you'd expect. Book to see a Private GP today or call 0845 600 3458 quoting ref. HFS GP.
Read the study
Craig DGN, Bates CM, Davidson JE, et al. Staggered overdose pattern and delay to hospital presentation are associated with adverse outcomes following paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 2011. www.bjcp-journal.com
Bupa By You
