People need to be “really cautious” in order to avoid a paracetamol overdose, one of Ireland’s leading pharmacists has warned. 

Figures released to the Sunday Times revealed that over 3,000 people overdosed on over the counter medication - such as paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen - in 2021 and 2022.

In the vast majority of cases, the overdose was accidental and speaking to Newstalk Breakfast, pharmacist Sheena Mitchell said paracetamol in particular can be an extremely dangerous drug if it is not used correctly. 

“In Britain - and I assume it’s the same in Ireland - paracetamol overdose is actually the leading cause for liver transplants,” she said. 

“Paracetamol is one of those drugs that, unfortunately, has a relatively narrow therapeutic window. 

“That just means that the window in which the dose is effective or becomes toxic is quite small. 

“If you take too much or you’re taking paracetamol with other things that have to be cleaned out of your body through the liver like alcohol or other medications, then your liver will very quickly become overwhelmed and not be able to actually convert all of the medicine into a harmless metabolite which can then be excreted.” 

'Not for self-selection'

Ms Mitchell said people need to be “really cautious” with the drug, as someone can overdose “very close to the normal recommended dose.” 

She added this is especially the case when it is being given to children. 

“There has been a really sad case a few years ago where the 500 milligram adult depository was administered to a baby instead of the 180 milligram,” she said. 

“Unfortunately, that baby did die; as a result of that, paracetamol depositories are now behind the counter, hidden out of the way, so they are not for self-selection. 

“Pharmacists will always be involved in the sale of those.”

Accidental double dose

Ms Mitchell also said adults need to make sure they are not accidently taking more than one product with paracetamol in it at the same time. 

“Someone might be taking panadol for their headache - or another brand which is generic paracetamol,” she said. 

“Then they might, say if they have a fever, they might take something like Lemsip - there’s loads, all of the cold and flu remedies contain paracetamol. 

“So, they don’t realise that they’re actually taking double the recommended dose.” 

Ms Mitchell urged people to always check the label to make sure medication does not contain paracetamol and never to go beyond the recommended dosage. 

The HSE advises people with existing health conditions to check with their GP before they take paracetamol and call 999 if they think they have overdosed.

Main image: A woman taking paracetamol. Picture by: Alamy.com