Beware of paracetamol overdose

Overdoses of drugs, especially the common paracetamol, can lead to serious complications particularly among children. Extremely anxious mothers may sometimes use excessive dosages of paracetamol for their children in order to bring the fever down. Some parents even do not check the dosage of the drugs.

Doses are calibrated with body weight, and in children, even a little extra may be too much. And there could be paracetamol poisoning. If it is so, initially there will be vomiting; the child will feel drowsy. So, parents and physicians should seriously consider these signs of paracetamol poisoning when a child is ill. The dosage errors can potentially cause paediatric acute liver failure and even death.

Just a few days ago, two young brothers -- aged seven and four -- died allegedly from oral administration of Napa syrup (paracetamol) in Ashuganj upazila of Brahmanbaria. Reportedly, an investigation is ongoing over this tragic incident. However, every one of us should be careful about the right dosage whenever using paracetamol syrup for our children. As parents, we also should not be extraordinarily anxious and apply an overdose of any medicine to the child. We must stick to the paediatrician's recommended dosage at all times.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

ilcbd2008@gmail.com