Egyptian Drug Authority warns: Overdoses of paracetamol may lead to fatal liver poisoning

The Egyptian Drug Authority warned about the dangers of excessive use of paracetamol, emphasizing the need to adhere to the maximum prescribed dose for adults, which is 4 grams daily from all sources of the drug.

The warning came after recording a case of acute liver poisoning in a 46-year-old patient who took daily doses ranging between 4 and 5 grams continuously to treat joint pain. After months of use, he developed symptoms of jaundice and liver enzymes rose to record levels exceeding 24,000 units/liter. His condition improved after stopping the medication and receiving appropriate treatment.

The authority confirmed that paracetamol remains a safe and effective drug if used according to guidelines, but taking it in large doses or for prolonged periods may lead to serious liver poisoning, which in some cases can result in liver failure or death. It noted that early therapeutic intervention using N-acetylcysteine (NAC) within the first eight hours of taking the overdose significantly reduces the risk of deterioration.

The authority also explained that the symptoms of poisoning go through successive stages, starting in the first hours with general symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, then later developing into abdominal pain, liver enlargement, and a significant increase in enzymes, reaching critical cases that include severe jaundice, coagulation disorders, hypoglycemia, and hepatic encephalopathy.

In a related context, the Egyptian Ministry of Health denied statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump linking the use of paracetamol during pregnancy to autism in children, confirming that international medical bodies, including the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency, assert that the drug is safe for treating pain and fever in pregnant women when adhering to the recommended doses.