It is common to witness people popping paracetamol like candies to treat temporary discomfort or illness. What they fail to understand is that, overusing then can cause harm to their bodies. Let’s decode how.
Why using antibiotics like Paracetamol often can be harmful?
Antibiotics are meant to fight harmful bacteria in the body, but using them too often can create more problems than they solve. Antibiotics kill not only bad bacteria but also the good bacteria in your stomach. This can lead to digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, or infections.
The balance of good bacteria in your body helps keep you healthy. Frequent antibiotic use disrupts this balance, making it harder for your immune system to fight off illnesses naturally. Overuse of antibiotics can sometimes lead to allergies, causing rashes, itching, or other unpleasant symptoms.
How can overuse of Paracetemol cause harm to your liver?
Paracetamol is a common medicine used to treat pain and fever, but using it carelessly can harm your liver. It can damage liver cells, leading to a condition called liver toxicity. Over time, this can cause serious liver problems.
Explaining the harm this medicine does to the liver, Dr Pavan Hanchanale (Hepatologist, Liver Transplant Physician and gastroenterologist Ruby Hall Clinic Pune said, “Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used medicines-it’s the go-to for pain relief and reducing fever. Your body processes it in the liver, breaking it down into harmless substances that are easily excreted. However, taking more than the recommended dose can be dangerous. In fact, it can lead to liver damage or even acute liver failure. While this issue is more common in Western countries, it’s not as frequently seen in India.”
Overuse of Paraceteamol can risk liver failure
“If someone does experience paracetamol-related liver injury, they need to be admitted to a specialized liver center with advanced ICU facilities. Doctors will closely monitor them for signs of liver failure. The good news? If treatment starts early, medicines like N-acetylcysteine can reverse the damage. But if the condition progresses, some patients may need plasma therapy or, in severe cases, an emergency liver transplant,” Dr. Pavan added.
How to use medicines safely?
Use antibiotics and paracetamol only if a doctor prescribes them. Avoid taking these medicines for mild symptoms or without proper advice. Always stick to the recommended dose and duration. Taking more does not mean faster recovery; it can harm your body instead. Especially with paracetamol, avoid drinking alcohol to protect your liver.
“It is very important to stick to the recommended dosage and not overuse paracetamol. Public awareness is key, and limiting its over-the-counter availability could help prevent accidental overdoses,” The doctor said.
