Paracetamol is one of the most popped pills in the world. It is mostly used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It is also one of the most bought drugs over the counter and that has provided an avenue for many people to abuse it. But is paracetamol good for the body? As much as it is a legalized painkiller, some health practitioners have come out to condemn it while others have called for a complete ban on the drug.
Some liver specialists have said that paracetamol is one of the commonest cause of liver failure and is responsible for
some of the liver transplants carried out. When this drug is taken in small dosage, it is effectively metabolized by the liver yet in high amounts it damages the liver. Of course, the level of tolerance also depends on so many factors such as age and the condition of an individual’s liver.
There are also studies that show paracetamol as having very serious side effects such as asthma and defects in development. Some of these defects have been pointed out to include Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in younger children and possibly lethal kidney and heart problems in adults. There is also the risk of death from skin reactions that are rare and painful.
Pregnant women have been advised against taking paracetamol since studies have shown that it exposes them to some risks. These studies indicate that children exposed to paracetamol while still in the womb have less than average physical coordination as well as communication skills.
Some analysis has also appeared to indicate that there exists a link between long-term usage of the drug and an increased risk of health complications such as renal failure, stroke and sometimes gastrointestinal bleeding.
Paracetamol is very dangerous when overdosed on, whether intentional or by accident. When the drug is taken over and above the prescribed dosage, it causes an acute liver failure that is fatal.
Just like any other medicine, paracetamol has known side effects. Some of these side effects are minor and fade with time while others can be fatal to the patient. Science evolves every day and researchers, as well as health practitioners, come up with better and effective treatment methods. As that happens, the current drugs in the market are continuously analyzed and alternative treatment methods developed. As it stands, paracetamol is still a recognized painkiller and stocked by many pharmacists. So is paracetamol good for the body? It remains fairly effective when taken in the right dosage and for a shorter period with minimal side effects.