THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF PARACETAMOL

Abstract

Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medicine used as an analgesic and antipyretic, that is, to treat pain (mild and moderate) and fever. It is an over-the-counter and inexpensive medicine. The indiscriminate and irrational use of paracetamol can cause hepatotoxicity when the dose is higher than the recommended dose, which is one of the main causes of liver failure and overdose. The objective of this study is to present the risks of improper and irrational use of paracetamol and indicate therapeutic measures to treat intoxication, which will depend on the time of ingestion and understanding of the pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms of the drug. It is then processed in the liver by glucuronosyl transferase, conjugating with glucuronic acid, becoming soluble and producing elimination, the enzymatic action of P450 to form toxic elements, N-acetyl-P-benzoquinone, glutathione allows natural metabolism, however , this glutathione is limited and intoxication can occur. Self-medication is a major contributor to health problems, leading to the misuse and irrational use of medicines, including paracetamol, where there have been many cases of high dose poisoning, and guidance from healthcare professionals is vital to reduce this.