How many times in a month do you pop a paracetamol? Mild headache, muscle pain, fever, cold, uneasiness and sometimes nausea and stomach ache, paracetamol is known to be the universal tablet we take when experiencing minor health problems. Paracetamol is one of the trusted drugs that has been used for decades now. With proven efficacy rate, paracetamol provides fast relief. I have seen people carrying packets of 10 - 16 tablets of paracetamol whenever they go, even in parties. It is available in the market and buying it does not need any prescription. I see many advocates of paracetamol in my friends and relatives giving advice to each other like, ‘Take one paracetamol and sleep, you will feel better in a while,’ like doctors. But do you know that popping paracetamol every now and then can pose serious health problems?
People who take paracetamol regularly, researchers and experts have raised an alarming health warning regarding the excessive consumption of it. A study has revealed that excessive consumption of paracetamol can cause damage to your liver.
The Study
A team of the University of Edinburgh carried out research involving mice reveals how the common painkiller, paracetamol, can cause liver damage. The discovery could inform research into therapies to counteract the harm caused by paracetamol which is, according to the study, a leading cause of acute liver damage in the west.
The impact of paracetamol on the liver cells in human and mouse tissue was studied by the scientists of the University of Edinburgh and the tests showed that in certain settings, paracetamol can damage the liver by harming the important structural connections between adjacent cells in the organ.
The press release from the University of Edinburgh stated, “When these cell wall connections – known as tight junctions – are disrupted, the liver tissue structure is damaged, cells are unable to function properly and they may die. This type of cell damage is known to occur in liver conditions including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer, but until now it was not linked to paracetamol toxicity.”
Side Effects Of Paracetamol
To know the side effects of the pain-relief drug, paracetamol, OnlyMyHealth team spoke to Dr Tarala Meisheri, General Physician and Surgeon, Auranagabad, Maharashtra.
Dr Meirsheri said, “Paracetamol does not have any side effects. In my experience, I have not seen a single case of side effects of paracetamol in any of my patients. Although, if someone is allergic, it does show side effect, but other than that, none I would say”
“Not only paracetamol but any medicine, if taken excessively will show its side effects,” Dr Meisheri further added.
The National Health Service, UK, states, “Paracetamol very rarely causes side effects if you take it at the right dosage. If you're worried about a side effect or notice anything unusual, talk to your pharmacist or doctor.”