Some consume them like candy, but beware: an overdose of paracetamol tablets can have dramatic consequences.
- The term overdose means the use of an unsuitable dosage, too high a dose per dose or per day, and a minimum time between doses not respected.
- The misuse of paracetamol is the leading cause of drug-induced liver transplantation in France.
On the occasion of World Pain Day, ANSM reminds that paracetamol should not be used haphazardly.
Medications containing paracetamol are among the most commonly used substances to relieve pain or to fight fever in adults and children.Used wisely, paracetamol is a safe and effective drug. However, in the event of an overdose, paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, irreversible in some cases.
How to properly use paracetamol?
The ANSM therefore recalls the keys to using paracetamol safely. “A rule to remember: paracetamol is used at the lowest possible effective dose and for the shortest duration”, starts the agency. The posology (dose and frequency of intake) of paracetamol that you can take in case of pain or fever depends on your weight and your state of health. To avoid an overdose, respect the following dosages and precautions for use:
Some cases require consulting a healthcare professional
If you have kidney or liver disease, suffer from chronic alcoholism or weigh less than 50 kg: consult a healthcare professional before taking paracetamol. If you are pregnant: as a general rule, taking medication should be avoided during this period. However, if necessary, your healthcare professional may advise you to take paracetamol, but always at the lowest possible effective dose and for the shortest duration. In young children (less than 27 kg): the dosage of paracetamol will be chosen according to the weight of the child. “Paracetamol-based medicines suitable for children are available. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice”, says the health agency.
“Beware of hidden paracetamol!”, adds the ANSM. More than 200 drugs marketed in France contain paracetamol, alone or combined with other active substances. These drugs are used for the treatment of pain, fever, allergies, cold symptoms or flu-like illness. “Never take another medicine containing paracetamol at the same time. To check this, consult the main side of the medicine boxes, the active substances contained in the medicines are always specified there”, conclude the public health experts.
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