Take too much paracetamol, the molecule contained for example in Doliprane, can cause health risks. According to a recent investigation of the consumer defense association UFC-Que Choisir, 24% of pharmacists would advise harmful doses of paracetamol.
14% of pharmacists do not make any recommendations
In too high a dose, paracetamol becomes toxic for the liver, so do not exceed 4 grams per day at most. The UFC-Que Choisir sent “mystery shoppers” to 772 pharmacies in 16 French cities to see if pharmacists were making the right recommendations concerning this molecule. The mystery shopper would simply walk into the pharmacy, say he had a cold, and ask for Doliprane 1000 mg and Active Cold day and night. These two drugs contain paracetamol, so they should not be combined at the same time.
Results, 14% of pharmacists did not provide any recommendation on taking these two drugs. The vast majority warned against the dangers of such an association, but did not necessarily give the right doses. 54% of pharmacies recommended doses greater than the 3 grams recommended in the case of self-medication. Even more worrying, 24% advised doses greater than 4 grams and therefore dangerous for the body.
Paracetamol, the indications to follow
Following these observations, the UFC-Que Choisir recalls the recommendations to adopt when taking paracetamol:
- Pay attention to the hidden presence of paracetamol, especially in cold medicine
- Prefer simple specialties which contain only paracetamol and not a mixture
- Start with 500 mg, sufficient dose for pain and fevers moderate
- Do not exceed 3 grams per day in self-medication (4g on medical advice)
- Do not exceed 1g per dose
The consumer defense association asks for “the presence of a specific box on the packaging of non-prescription drugs, to inform consumers about the main interactions and contraindications”.
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