Research indicates, millions of people around the world may be at risk of overdosing on paracetamol. The
use of inappropriate drugs advice of the most popular pain reliever is
not only pose a risk of overdose, but also damage to the liver.
Study of the ahlii of Northwestern University in Chicago U.S. states, nearly 25 percent of adults erred in taking paracetamol. Many of the patients taking these drugs exceed the recommended dose within 24 hours.
The
users were mostly ignored dosage instructions or procedures for use,
especially the elderly who often forget how many tablets they had
consumed. There
are patients who do not realize that they are in treatment with other
drugs containing acetaminophen, the active ingredient Paracetamol.
Doctor's recommendation for the maximum dose is eight tablets of paracetamol 500 mg a day. Maximum of only two tablets just for a drink in every four hours. When
exceeding the set limit, one consequence is an overdose that causes
liver damage and fluid accumulation in the brain at risk of fatal.
Research
published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine online edition,
Dr. Michael Wolf conducted a study on the prevalence of abuse and the
possibility of acetaminophen overdose. Wolf
interviewed more than 500 adult patients who went to clinics in several
cities in the U.S. between September 2009 until March 2011.
The researchers tested how far the patient's understanding of and ability to take the drug dose acetaminophen appropriately. The result was quite surprising. More
than a quarter of patients at risk of taking an overdose of painkillers
because of exceeding the maximum limit of 4 grams in 24 hours. In
addition, there are 5 percent of patients who make fatal mistakes
because of drinking more than 6 grams of the drug within 24 hours. While
nearly 50 percent of patients at risk of overdose due to
"double-dipping" or downing of two types of medicines that contain
acetaminophen.
"Our
findings indicate that many consumers do not recognize or distinguish
the active ingredient in OTC pain relievers, they also do not listen
carefully to the instructions on drug labels," says Wolf.
"With
the prevalence, a significant risk of adverse effects, and lack of
understanding, a doctor should provide guidance in decision making and
advise patients on proper medication use," he added.
Source : http://health.kompas.com
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