Experts warn against overconsumption of paracetamol due to potential for liver damage, respiratory problems and more | Liverpool Echo

Taking paracetamol is a part of everyday life for many people.

It’s common to take a few to calm a throbbing head, mask menstrual discomfort, or stave off the effects of a morning hangover. But medical professionals have warned those who exceed the recommended daily dose of paracetamol.

They say there are harmful health effects you may be unaware of. Research indicates that one in eight people in the UK is addicted to paracetamol, taking it every day.

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Studies also show that the amount of paracetamol people take is excessively high, with one in four regularly breaking the recommended daily limit of eight tablets.

Around 25% of Britons suffer from chronic pain. However, evidence shows that there are some extremely harmful side effects of long-term use of painkillers.

Dr Gerard Sinovich, chief pain consultant at Alternaleaf, said: “Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol are almost a ‘default’ treatment for pain in this country. However, it should not be used for more than three consecutive days without consulting a doctor,” reports Wales Online.

He goes on to add, “There is very little education in this country about the long-term effects that frequent use can have. From liver failure to kidney damage and breathing problems, the long-term side effects can be extremely harmful.”

Dr Gerard Sinovich, senior pain consultant at Alternaleaf, a private health clinic in the UK, has highlighted five potentially harmful effects of daily painkillers.

1. Fatigue and fatigue

“One of the most common side effects of paracetamol is exhaustion and fatigue, due to the acetaminophen content of the drug. If taken regularly, then a person is likely to regularly feel tired and drowsy for longer.”

2. Respiratory problems

“Research shows that frequent use of paracetamol can significantly increase the likelihood of wheezing. It is also associated with an increase in asthma symptoms, and the effect is greater the longer the drug is taken.”

3. Liver failure

“Liver damage can occur with regular intake of paracetamol at or below the recommended daily dose, which is one or two 500mg tablets at a time, up to four times in 24 hours, with a maximum of eight tablets in 24 hours, according to NHS. Studies have shown that paracetamol can damage the liver by damaging the vital structural connections between adjacent cells in the organ.

“In fact, unintentional paracetamol overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the UK and US. In 2021, 227 deaths in England and Wales were due to paracetamol overdose as a result of liver failure.”

4. Heart attack

“Studies have shown that regular use of sodium-containing paracetamol is linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, heart failure and death. Sodium, which is one of the main components of salt, is often used to help medicines such as paracetamol dissolve in water.

“However, if a person takes the maximum daily dose of paracetamol, they would also exceed the maximum daily sodium dose of 2g. Research shows that taking sodium-containing paracetamol regularly over a long period of time can massively increase a person’s risk of have a heart attack, stroke, or heart failure, regardless of whether or not he has high blood pressure.”

5. Fingers and lips may turn blue

“In rare cases, allergic reactions to paracetamol can cause the skin, tongue or lips to turn blue, gray or pale. Other signs of an allergic reaction include sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, or tongue, feeling extremely dizzy and sleepy, and extremely fast breathing or difficulty breathing.

“If you experience any of these symptoms after taking paracetamol, it is important to call 999 straight away.”

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