Acetaminophen, one of the most widely used drugs in the world, can lead to death if taken in excess. That's what a study by the US nonprofit Pro Publica showed. The data, consulted in CDCs (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) are alarming: from 2001 to 2010, about 150 Americans died each year due to intoxication after the use of paracetamol, active ingredient of painkillers such as Tylenol and Sonridor.
These deaths occurred due to the overload that high-dose (more than 4g / day) consumption of the drug causes to the liver. In addition, combining alcohol use can also lead to serious organ damage, such as liver failure, which can be fatal.
This problem is worrying because acetaminophen is sold over the counter, so the patient may end up taking too many capsules in a short period of time in order to remedy a pain and this can result in liver overload.
In the US, the US Food and Drug Regulatory Agency (FDA) has been slow to require package leaflets to provide important information about the risks of high dosages and their combination with alcohol and other medications. However, nowadays, both in Brazil and in the USA, the leaflets bring this information. Therefore, it is essential to read and follow the instructions contained in the document before taking any medicine.
In Brazil, according to an article in the newspaper Folha de São Paulo, there is no concrete data on paracetamol poisoning.
It is noteworthy that self-medication is very dangerous and should be avoided. Even drugs that seem safer can be fatal in incorrect dosages and ingestion. Get medical attention before taking medication and do not hide information at time of appointment. Telling the truth about your habits can prevent more serious problems.
With information from the newspaper Folha de São Paulo and the specialized website MedicineNet
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