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US-based gastroenterologist Dr Palaniappan Manickam said that people take Dolo 650 like it’s candy, highlighting its overuse and the risk of liver damage.
A doctor recommended limiting paracetamol intake to no more than 2-3 tablets a day.
Paracetamol, a drug found in nearly every medicine cabinet, became a go-to solution during the COVID-19 pandemic, widely used to control fever and pain. But as its casual use continues unchecked, alarm bells are ringing among medical professionals over its potentially serious side effects.
A recent tweet by US-based gastroenterologist, Dr Palaniappan Manickam, sparked a renewed conversation on the issue. “Indians take Dolo 650 like it’s cadbury gems,” he warned, highlighting its overuse and the associated risk of liver damage. His remarks have since ignited widespread debate on social media and among healthcare circles.
In response to growing concern, renowned hepatologist Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin addressed the matter in a detailed interview with news agency ANI. Dr Sarin, a leading authority on liver health, emphasised that overconsumption of paracetamol can have severe consequences. Taking more paracetamol than necessary, especially on a regular basis, can damage the liver, he said, adding that paracetamol is now the leading cause of liver failure in the United States and Europe.
According to Dr Sarin, the liver produces a protective antioxidant called glutathione, which helps neutralise the toxic byproducts of drugs like paracetamol. However, glutathione levels can be significantly reduced by factors such as alcohol consumption and obesity, making the liver more vulnerable to damage. If your body is already low in glutathione and you consume excessive paracetamol, your liver may not be able to cope, he explained.
Dr Sarin recommends limiting paracetamol intake to no more than two or three tablets a day, or alternatively taking half a tablet three to four times a day, to reduce the risk of liver damage. He stressed that paracetamol should never be taken casually or without proper medical guidance. It is not just a fever medicine but a potent painkiller and should be treated with the same caution, he added.
Health experts noted that the liver plays a central role in processing medications, filtering out chemicals and toxins from the bloodstream. When medications like paracetamol are consumed repeatedly or in high doses, the liver is forced to work overtime, increasing the risk of damage. Over time, this can lead to conditions such as hepatitis or even liver failure.
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