10 Shocking Reasons to Stop Taking Paracetamol Now

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paracetamol

There are many differing opinions with regard to the usage of paracetamol.. It is also known as acetaminophen, can be termed one of the most widely used analgesics. Be it a headache, fever, or muscle pain, it is considered the remedy of choice.

But when it comes to putting in the wider bracket of its dangers, have you ever thought of them? Although it has been established that it can indeed be safe when taken as per dosage recommendations, following its overdoses and consequences-alluding to the threshold of safety-several don’t seem to know about these. Let’s focus on some points where alertness is mandatory concerning paracetamol.

Liver Damage as the Worst Scenario

One of the most significant dangers of taking paracetamol is liver toxicity. The liver metabolizes it , but in excess, it can overwhelm the liver and cause toxicity: Hence, paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure round the globe.

In the case of liver damage, one can expect the following:

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Yellow discoloration of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Darkening of the urine
  • Abdominal pain

In the long term, liver damage can also occur from taking paracetamol within normal doses but constantly over a long period of time.

Accidental Overdose

Unlike many drugs, it is found in many over-the-counter products like cold and flu medicines. Knowing how many are overdosing the medication, they will mix these medicines without realizing all contain paracetamol.

Dangerous combinations include:

  • Paracetamol with cold and flu medicines
  • Paracetamol with painkillers containing opioids
  • Paracetamol with alcohol; alcohol increases liver toxicity
  • More than 4000 mg (4 g) per day is potentially life-threatening and may require emergency medical treatment.

3. Kidney Damage Over Time

Chronic paracetamol use can cause kidney-related stress, mainly if it is coupled with other painkillers like ibuprofen. Studies show that long-term paracetamol use can prompt chronic kidney disease CKD and, in rare cases, kidney failure .

4. Increases Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke

A recent survey has arranged the use of paracetamol over a long period to be associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart diseases, and strokes and is therefore especially concerning for patients already suffering from cardiovascular illnesses.

5. May Cause Profound Stomach Problems

Paracetamol is believed to be more forgiving on the stomach than aspirin or ibuprofen, but it may cause stomach upset in a few individual cases. With frequent usage, it can cause:

  1. Indigestion
  2. Nausea
  3. Stomach Pain

But with existing stomach conditions, it’s usage can aggravate the condition.

6. May Decrease Your Immune Response

Some research posits that this might interfere with the body’s ability to fight natural fever and, in turn, mitigate the fighting mechanism against the infections. Paracetamol for fever may hinder the body’s ability to combat the infection by viruses and bacteria.

7. Hazardous for Pregnant Women

Several pregnant women use this medicine under the impression that it is safe, but reports in the past few years have found a possible link between this drug during pregnancy and developmental disturbances in the baby:

Increased risk of ADHD and autism

Hormonal disturbances

Despite needing further investigation, it is now advised that it should be used cautiously during pregnancy.

8. It May Be Worth Next To Nothing

Surprisingly, studies show that paracetamol is less effective than the consensus would have it. Evidence from studies on back pain, arthritis, and headaches suggests that it might produce only a slight benefit, if any, when compared with a placebo. So the question remains, therefore: Is the risk worth the meek benefit?

Who Should Stay Away From Paracetamol?

You should be extra concerned about taking it if you:

  1. Have liver or kidney disease
  2. Drink alcohol regularly
  3. Take another medication that contains paracetamol (more than one)
  4. Are pregnant or breastfeeding
  5. Allergic to it and a history of stomach ulcers or digestive issues

Safer Alternatives

Some safer alternatives to pain relief include:

Non-acetaminophen painkillers .

Natural anti-inflammatory dietary factors (such as turmeric and ginger, or omega-3 fatty acids)

Cold or hot compresses for pain relief .

Lifestyle medicine (exercise, yoga, and stress management to lessen chronic pain)

Final Thoughts

Though many people consider it is a “safe” medicine, it does involve high risks of liver damage, kidney disease, and heart troubles. It often goes without saying that accidental overdose happens, understandably more often with prolonged use. If possible, think twice before opting for paracetamol-and check for any viable alternatives.

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