Warnings about ‘over-use’ of paracetamol

Jul 5 2009

A panel of experts in the United States has raised new concerns about the popular painkiller paracetamol and are calling for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to reduce the maximum dose of paracetamol allowed because they say 'over-use' can cause serious liver damage.

Three U.S. advisory committees have recommended the maximum daily dosage be reduced, but as yet a final decision has not been made by the FDA and the Australian drug regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) say they will be closely watching what happens in the U.S., before deciding if any regulatory action is warranted.

For decades people have used paracetamol to treat minor aches and pains as it is available over the counter (OTC) and has always been considered to be safe when taken in the recommended doses and it is common knowledge that paracetamol, like other OTC drugs is a potentially dangerous drug if taken in excessive doses or over a prolonged period.

The issue has been closely looked at twice in Australia in the last decade and the TGA says it will take a another look at the most recent evidence and possibly consult it's own advisory committee on the issue.

Dr. Andrew Pesce, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) says it's important to remind Australians of the dangers of overdosing on paracetamol and the ill effects of prolonged use.

Dr. Pesce says paracetamol is considered a fairly low-level painkiller and the doses that most people take are not excessive amounts but it must be remembered however that paracetamol is sometimes included in cold and flu treatments and if people are not aware of that, there is the risk of inadvertently taking far more than is recommended.

Dr. Pesce says in terms of the effectiveness of the drug if the dose is cut , it lessens the risk of harm but may not then provide adequate pain relief and he advises professional advice is sought if pain relief is not provided without taking potentially dangerous levels of the drug.

According to the TGA paracetamol remains a safe medicine for pain relief and fever when used in accordance with the directions on the label but accidental or deliberate paracetamol overdose can result in liver damage and very high dosages can be fatal.