When Paracetamol Becomes Unsafe for Children

Paracetamol is a common medication for children to relieve mild-to-moderate pain and fever. Despite its frequent use, inappropriate dosing can lead to serious risks, including overdose or inadequate treatment.

Common Mistakes in Paracetamol Administration

Parents often administer paracetamol based on past experiences rather than precise guidelines, leading to potential overdosing. This is particularly risky when paracetamol is an ingredient in multiple medications for coughs, colds, or teething that parents might use simultaneously without realizing.

Underdosing may result in persisting fever, causing unnecessary medical consultations and increased healthcare expenses.

Overdosing can lead to severe side effects like liver toxicity or even liver failure, particularly in susceptible children.

Studies Showing  Misuse

Research from southeastern Nigeria in 2012 indicated that many caregivers improperly use paracetamol for children’s febrile illnesses based on personal judgment rather than medical advice. Further studies in 2023 showed a disturbing lack of awareness among caregivers about the potential adverse effects and proper use of paracetamol. Nearly all respondents were unaware of the risks of liver damage.

Expert Recommendations on Paracetamol Usage

Experts advise against the routine daily use of paracetamol for fever prevention in children. They stress that paracetamol should only be used when necessary, under the right circumstances:

Paracetamol is indicated for actual fever management and should not be used as a preventative measure.

The dosage must be correctly calculated based on the child’s body weight to avoid the risks of underdosing or overdosing.

Proper Administration of Paracetamol

While some parents prefer paracetamol tablets, they must ensure proper administration:

A standard 500 mg tablet can be divided into four parts, with each part equating to about 5 mL of syrup.

The quarter tablet should be crushed and mixed with a minimal amount of water or breast milk for easier consumption.

Caution Against Improper Use

Experts also warn against administering paracetamol for unnecessary reasons, such as after exposure to the sun, as it can lead to an overdose. Overdosing on paracetamol can cause significant harm to the liver and brain and should be avoided.

Only use paracetamol for short-term relief from fever and ensure the underlying cause of the fever is addressed.

Relying solely on paracetamol for more than a day or two without consulting a healthcare provider can be harmful, especially if the fever is due to a serious infection like malaria.