A dangerous online trend known as the “paracetamol challenge” is prompting serious health warnings. The challenge, circulating on social media, involves adolescents competing to see who can ingest the highest dose of paracetamol before requiring hospitalization. According to pharmacologist Laura Redondo, this practice can lead to liver damage, necrosis, and even death.
Rising Concerns
The trend reportedly aims for participants to “be hospitalized for as many days as possible” through intentional overdose. A case in the United States has already been linked to the death of an 11-year-ancient child. In Spain, the Hospital Regional de Málaga has reported several cases of severe poisoning in individuals under the age of 14 potentially connected to the challenge.
Redondo emphasizes that a safe daily dose of paracetamol varies based on individual factors. For a healthy adult weighing 60 kilograms, a safe daily maximum is between 3 and 4 grams. However, the safe range for children and adolescents is lower, between 2 and 3 grams daily, due to their “dysfunctional” liver and kidney systems, which are still developing.
She explained that a maximum adult dose is 60 milligrams per kilogram of weight per day, meaning a 60-kilogram person could ingest 3,600 milligrams daily.
Stages of Paracetamol Intoxication
Redondo outlines three distinct stages of paracetamol intoxication, occurring over hours. The initial phase, within 12 to 24 hours of overdose, presents with non-specific symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. Immediate hospitalization, including gastric lavage and aspiration, is crucial at this stage because the body’s enzymatic systems are overwhelmed.
As the liver metabolizes paracetamol, a toxic metabolite called NAPQI is produced, which destroys liver cells and causes dysfunction. At this point, the situation is still potentially reversible with the administration of an antidote. The second stage, between 24 and 48 hours, involves a stabilization period with a slight increase in liver enzymes. Finally, after 72 hours, a significant rise in enzymes indicates severe liver damage, potentially leading to necrosis or death, and a permanent reduction in liver function.
Redondo suggests that preventative measures should be considered in educational settings, though the challenge primarily spreads through social networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of paracetamol intoxication in the first 24 hours?
In the first 12 to 24 hours after an overdose, individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. These symptoms are described as “very nonspecific.”
Is paracetamol intoxication reversible?
The situation is reversible in the early stages, before significant liver damage occurs, through hospitalization and the administration of an antidote.
What happens if liver damage becomes severe?
Severe liver damage can lead to necrosis, or even death, and may result in a permanent loss of liver function.
Given the serious health risks associated with this challenge, what steps can be taken to protect young people from participating in such dangerous online trends?
