This common medicine may make the liver worse than alcohol

O liver plays many important functions in the body, from the processing of nutrients and the removal of toxins from the blood to the metabolism of medicines. 

It is known that excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to the health of this organ. However, there is another common habit which is equally negative and which many do not know: the excessive use of paracetamol. 

Why painkillers can harm your liver

Usually, people take paracetamol for several reasons, the most common being pain relief and fever reduction. 

Although paracetamol is safe at certain doses, it may cause problems. In the case of the liver, it may be affected by high doses for several days or an excessive amount at a time. 

“ When paracetamol is used at higher doses than recommended, it can overload the processes of our body responsible for metabolizing the medicine,” said pharmacist Laura Heath in statements to EatingWell. “If this happens, serious damage may occur.”.

It is worth noting that most paracetamol is metabolised safely by normal hepatic pathways, explains pharmacist Farrah Tavakoli.

“ A small amount of paracetamol is converted into a substance called NAPQI, a toxic metabolite that can be harmful when it accumulates,” he says.

What is the maximum dose of paracetamol that can be taken per day?

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, healthy adults should not ingest more than 1,000 milligrams of paracetamol at once or more than 4,000 mg per day. In addition, you should avoid taking 3,000 mg per day for more than 3 to 5 consecutive days. 

“ The maximum dose of paracetamol for most adults is 4,000 milligrams per day considering all sources,” says Tavakoli.

Note that paracetamol is found in many medicines that do not need a prescription, from those used to treat allergies, colds, flus and migraines as well as painkillers. 

It is important to read the label and, if in doubt, talk to your family doctor.