Paracetamol: Even ‘Safe’ Doses Can Be Harmful with Long-Term Use, Experts Warn
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used painkillers in india and globally, widely taken for fever, headaches, or body pain.
Due to its easy availability, many people use it frequently without medical consultation.
It works by reducing brain chemicals that cause pain and fever, offering quick relief from common symptoms.
Although generally considered safe in recommended doses, long-term or excessive use can be dangerous.
A National health Service (NHS) report reveals that an average british citizen consumes about 70 paracetamol tablets a year—roughly six doses per month.
In 2024-25, the NHS in england issued over 15 million prescriptions, costing £80.6 million (₹965.45 crores).
Recent studies have linked prolonged or high-dose paracetamol use to serious health risks, including:
Liver damage or failure
Kidney problems
High blood pressure
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Heart disease
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Neurodevelopmental issues like autism and ADHD
Experts warn that even the standard 'safe dose' of 4 grams per day (500 mg tablet, four times daily) is not suitable for everyone.
Dr. Dean Eggitt cautions that using the recommended dose for more than 10 days can still lead to permanent liver or kidney damage.
Professor Andrew Moore, from Cochrane Collaboration, states that paracetamol is less effective than commonly believed, benefiting only a small percentage of users.
Taking just twice the safe dose (around 7.5 grams/day) can lead to liver toxicity due to a toxic byproduct called NAPQI.
Glutathione, which neutralizes NAPQI, can become depleted with prolonged or high-dose use, increasing liver damage risk.
Conclusion
Even if paracetamol seems harmless, avoid regular use without medical advice and never exceed the dosage.
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