Understanding the “Paracetamol Challenge”
The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has issued a warning to healthcare professionals and parents about a dangerous trend known as the “Paracetamol Challenge.” This challenge, popularized on social media, involves children and teenagers intentionally ingesting toxic doses of paracetamol to test their resistance and compare hospitalization durations with friends. This alarming trend underscores the critical importance of keeping medications out of children’s reach.
Health Risks Associated with Paracetamol Overdose
Engaging in the “Paracetamol Challenge” poses severe health risks to children and adolescents. Paracetamol overdose can lead to serious liver damage, which in some cases may be irreversible and require a liver transplant. In fact, paracetamol overdose is the leading cause of drug-induced liver transplants in France. Additionally, it can cause damage to the kidneys and pancreas.
Immediate Actions and Parental Awareness
It is crucial to raise awareness among parents about the risks of paracetamol overdose and the importance of immediate action. In cases of suspected overdose—defined as exceeding the recommended maximum dose per intake or per day, or not respecting the minimum interval between doses—parents should contact a poison control center or emergency services immediately. The relevant emergency numbers in France are 15 (Samu), 18 (firefighters), or 112 (for all medical, fire, and safety emergencies). Prompt medical intervention is essential, even if symptoms are not immediately apparent, as they may initially be absent, misleadingly suggesting no risk. Within the first 24 hours, symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and excessive sweating may develop.
Pharmacists’ Role in Preventing Overdose
Pharmacists are reminded that, except in legally authorized exceptions, dispensing medications to minors without parental consent or, if applicable, the legal representative’s consent is not permitted. Therefore, pharmacists should not provide paracetamol to children or adolescents outside of these guidelines. When dispensing to adults, it is beneficial to remind them of the risks associated with overdose.
This article was originally published on Univadis.fr, a member of the Medscape network.
🔗 **Fuente:** https://francais.medscape.com/s/voirarticle/3612628