Abstract

ACETAMINOPHEN TOXICITY - A REVIEW.

Dr. Nancy A. M.* and Sandip K. C.

ABSTRACT

Acetaminophen, more commonly known as paracetamol or APAP, is one of the most widely used analgesic and anti-pyretic in the world today. It is a century old discovery and has been used as an Over The Counter (OTC) medicine for over five decades. However toxicity or poisoning due to acetaminophen is a common concern across the globe. Various adverse effects are associated with paracetamol like liver damage, skin reactions, asthma etc. The most predominant adverse reaction has found to be hepatotoxicity. It is estimated as the most common cause of Acute Liver Failure in The United Kingdom and The United States. A high rate of mortality and morbidity induced by acetaminophen is also seen in India. It is a need of the hour to initiate counselling on the over use of Paracetamol as an OTC medication. Furthermore the regulatory authorities must give stringent guidelines for the rational use of Acetamiophen. Aim-This review aims at providing an overview of the potential Acetaminophen induced acute liver damage. Results-Majority of the published studies on the topic show that there is significant increase in the risk of acute liver failure with the overuse or abuse of paracetamol. This Risk is elevated alcoholics, pediatric population ad patients with liver damage. Conclusion-The review of the five studies suggest that there is a plausible risk of acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity. Although the epidemiology of paracetamol induced liver failure in India is low, it is the combined responsibility of healthcare professionals to create an awareness on the potential harm of the overuse and abuse of acetaminophen. Also the regulator bodies of drug control in India should take initiatives to reduce the incidence of acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in India.

Keywords: Paracetamol, Over The Counter (OTC) medicine, hepatotoxicity.