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| Paracetamol 500mg (Image: wyethconsumerhealthcare) |
According to research by Dr. Do Hong Thu from the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital, published on February 24, there is an increasing trend in paracetamol poisoning.
Before 2002, cases of paracetamol poisoning were rare. However, statistics from the past two years (2002-2004) indicate that paracetamol poisoning has become the second most common cause (after sedative and tranquilizer poisoning) among patients requiring treatment for drug poisoning.
Experts warn that the incidence of paracetamol poisoning is on the rise because this medication is considered safe and can be purchased over-the-counter without a doctor’s prescription.
The primary cause of poisoning is due to overdose. Symptoms of poisoning include loss of appetite, nausea, sweating, discomfort, and possibly pain in the right upper abdomen. In severe cases, patients can suffer multi-organ failure (kidney, liver) and may even result in death.
