Taking too much paracetamol
Victims of 'staggered' overdoses often fail to realise the amount they are taking could be fatal over a few days, they say. Experts have also pointed out, however, that many of us will be taking paracetamol or combination remedies containing the drug this winter to combat colds and flu, and that it is a safe and effective painkiller when the correct amount is taken. A study shows the risk of dying from liver failure is higher from accidental overdose than deliberate suicide attempts. This is because people report feeling unwell to GPs or accident and emergency departments without knowing the cause, making it difficult to diagnose and treat in time. It is too easy to 'top up' the dose without realising the dangers, they warn. Eight 500mg tablets a day – the equivalent of 4g – should be the maximum daily dose. In the study, a team led by Dr Kenneth Simpson analysed data from 663 patients who had been admitted to the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary between 1992 and 2008 with liv...