#AIR-CLINIC The Danger of Self Medication: Side Effects and Contraindications of Paracetamol

Paracetamol or Acetaminophen is the most abused Over-the-counter medication. It can be bought anywhere, many people think that it's the safest medicine, it is, but no chemical product in the world that does not have any consequences. I have explained the uses and pharmacokinetics of analgesic(which is the classification of paracetamol) in my previous blog, here's the link: https://steemit.com/health/@speaklife/pain-and-analgesia-the-importance-of-pain-includes-pain-medications

https://healthfacts.ng/self-medication-the-killer-doctor/

About Paracetamol
Contraindications: Renal insufficiency, anemia, cardiac and pulmonary diseases (because they are more prone to toxicity)
Special Considerations: Toxicity, including serious liver damage (hepatocyte necrosis) and apoptosis, may occur with doses not far beyond label dosing. Use with caution in pregnancy. Consult a physician before use if more thank three alcoholic drinks are consumed daily
Side Effects: Few when taken in usual therapeutic doses. Chronic and even acute toxicity can develop after long symptom-free usage.
Hematologic: Methemoglobinemia, hemolytic anemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, pancytopenia, leukopenia
Allergic: Urticarial and erythematous skin reactions, skin eruption, fever.
Miscellaneous: CNS stimulation, hypoglycemic coma, jaundice, drowsiness, glossitis. Possible Liver damage in those who consume three or more alcoholic drinks daily.

A friend of mine got diagnosed of hepatomegally(enlargement of the liver) due to the use of paracetemol, and in addition to that, he's a chronic alcoholic.

This is a call to wake every people about the reality, if you know someone who's using this medicine in a long term basis without a physician's help, then please educate him/her.
Knowing these things is a privilege given to us health professionals, but it is also our job to educate people who are not in the field. BE RESPONSIBLE!
This post is for the awareness of everyone, I am not spreading fear. As we all know,
"Knowledge is Power".

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