Taking paracetamol can pose risks to the liver and the gut, including potential bleeding, a point highlighted by Life.ru after discussions with surgeon Alexander Umnov. He is a teacher in the department of basic medical disciplines at the medical faculty of the State Educational University, and he emphasizes caution when using this common medicine.
The doctor singled out two major adverse effects. One is internal bleeding tied to acute erosions and ulcers in some individuals, which can be linked to the drug’s impact on the digestive tract. The other is hepatotoxicity, a liver-related toxicity that may occur in people with certain metabolic profiles. Specifically, Umnov notes that reduced activity of the enzyme CYP2E1 can alter how paracetamol is processed, increasing the level of toxic metabolites that can harm the liver. This observation aligns with broader medical understanding that when paracetamol is metabolized abnormally, the risk of liver injury rises, especially after higher doses or prolonged use, as discussed in medical reviews attributed to Life.ru’s reporting (attribution: Life.ru).
Beyond safety concerns, the medication is available in many different formulations—about fifty variations exist on the market. This variety makes it essential to follow the exact dosing recommended by a healthcare professional. A critical warning from Svetlana Budantseva, a lecturer in the Department of Therapy and a pediatrician at the same university, is that the daily limit is often misunderstood. While the maximum safe dose is calculated as sixty milligrams per kilogram of body weight per day, exceeding this amount substantially can elevate the risk of poisoning, potentially with fatal consequences. Budantseva stresses careful measurement and adherence to medical guidance to avoid accidental overdose (citation attributed to the university’s medical faculty sources).
There is ongoing scientific discussion about effective substitutes and safer pain relief options, underscoring the need for informed decisions when treating fever or discomfort with acetaminophen products. Patients and caregivers are urged to consult health professionals before combining paracetamol with other medicines or using multiple products that contain the same active ingredient, to prevent accidental overdose and ensure appropriate monitoring for any signs of adverse reactions (informational note attributed to contemporary medical literature and university statements). The overarching message remains clear: correct dosing, appropriate duration, and professional oversight are key to minimizing risks while benefiting from the medicine’s relief in appropriate cases.