Urgent Warning: Daily Paracetamol Use Poses Liver Risks

A new alert highlights the dangers of regularly taking paracetamol, a common pain reliever, revealing potential liver damage. Experts warn that exceeding recommended doses or mixing it with alcohol can lead to serious health complications, demanding attention from regular users.

Dangers of Overuse

Regular paracetamol consumption can cause significant health problems. According to Dipa Kamdar, a pharmacy practice senior lecturer at Kingston University, exceeding dosage recommendations can have “extremely dangerous” effects on the liver. Although alcohol is often cited as a primary cause of liver damage, some daily habits are “often overlooked”. These habits may lead to permanent liver scarring or liver failure.

“Despite its remarkable resilience – and even its ability to regenerate – the liver is not indestructible.”

—Dipa Kamdar, Senior Lecturer

Taking excessive paracetamol can lead to life-threatening conditions. An estimated 100,000 people are admitted to hospitals each year due to drug-induced liver injury in the United States (National Institutes of Health, 2023).

Understanding the Risks

Liver disease can be difficult to detect in its early stages. Initial symptoms may be vague, such as fatigue or nausea. As damage progresses, more obvious signs like jaundice, where the skin and eyes turn yellow, may become apparent.

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When the liver processes paracetamol, it produces a toxic byproduct called NAPQI. Typically, glutathione neutralizes this substance. However, excessive paracetamol use overwhelms the liver, leading to a buildup of NAPQI, which attacks liver cells.

Even minor overdoses, or combining paracetamol with alcohol, heightens the risk of severe liver damage. Patients are urged to stick to the prescribed dose and consult a physician if they frequently need pain relief.