El Ciudadano
Original article: Académico de la U. de Chile alerta que el «reto del paracetamol» puede ser mortal
University of Chile Professor Warns of Deadly Risks Associated with «Paracetamol Challenge»
A dangerous «viral challenge» has recently emerged on social media, encouraging children and adolescents to consume paracetamol indiscriminately.
The «paracetamol challenge» and similar viral dares are not isolated incidents.
In recent years, various digital platforms have amplified risky behaviors among children and young people, often presented as games or competitions that encourage exposure to dangerous situations.
In this context, experts caution that the perceived safety of widely used medications like paracetamol can create a false sense of security, increasing the risk of misuse and its potential health consequences.
Professor Mario Rivera Meza from the Department of Pharmacological and Toxicological Chemistry at the University of Chile emphasized that paracetamol is an over-the-counter drug.
«It is used as an analgesic for treating mild to moderate pain and as an antipyretic to reduce fever,» states the academic.
According to Professor Rivera, paracetamol primarily acts on the central nervous system and peripheral nerves by reducing the production of prostaglandins, chemical mediators linked to both the sensitivity of nerve fibers to pain and the regulation of body temperature.
Regarding its risks, the professor warns that «paracetamol overdose is associated with liver failure, kidney failure, hypoglycemia, and thrombocytopenia, which in severe cases can lead to death.»
When it comes to dosage, for children over six years, a dosage of 500 mg is recommended one to four times a day, while adults vary between 500 to 1,000 mg at the same frequency.
«Excessive consumption is considered to be over 2,000 mg per day in children and over 4,000 mg in adults,» emphasizes the researcher, noting that lower doses are prescribed for children under six, who receive the drug in adapted formats such as flavored chewable tablets, syrups, suppositories, or drops.
He also highlighted that certain individuals should avoid taking paracetamol, including those who are allergic to the medication or suffer from severe liver dysfunction. In such cases, other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like diclofenac or ibuprofen, can be used cautiously.
Health Alert and Call to Parents
In Chile, health authorities have also addressed concerns about the «paracetamol challenge.»
The Ministry of Health has recently issued a preventive alert to raise awareness about the risks associated with this viral challenge, urging parents and caregivers to supervise and guide the use of medications among children and adolescents.
While no cases directly linked to this challenge have been reported in the country, health officials emphasize the importance of being proactive in preventing risky behaviors.
Finally, Professor Rivera underscored the importance of pharmaceutical guidance in the proper use of this medication, as its over-the-counter status increases the risk of improper use.
«Many medications contain paracetamol, such as powders, tablets, and cold syrups, which can lead to overdose if proper information is not followed. Additionally, alcohol consumption can enhance its hepatotoxic effects,» the University of Chile academic reiterated.
In this context, experts are calling for enhanced health education and monitoring access and use of medications, especially among children and adolescents, while also understanding that common drugs like paracetamol are not without risks.
The Citizen
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