Journal of Clinical Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

Beware of Paracetamol Toxicity

Vidhya Malar HL and S Mary Mettilda Bai

The Effect of Paracetamol mechanism by which it works, metabolism, recommended doses, toxic dosage are discussed with study reports in this paper. Paracetamol shows some life threatening effects like Liver damage which in turn leads to live failure and death. Though it reduces fever and pain, it is found highly toxic. The mechanism by which Paracetamol reduces fever and pain is still not known. On metabolism, Paracetamol is converted to a metabolite which is very toxic to liver cells. In recommended doses (1-2 g/day), Paracetamol does not irritate stomach lining, kidney cells and liver cells. Studies reported that high dosage (>2 g/day), resulted in Gastrointestinal complications, abnormal Kidney function, Liver damage.