Death of Naomi Musenga: why regular intake of paracetamol can be toxic



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MEDICINE – Practical and effective, the badgesic is commonly used to relieve transient pain. However, this drug is not without risks, as recalled by the circumstances of the death of Naomi Musenga, who died of paracetamol poisoning. LCI takes stock

– LCI writing

The circumstances of the death of Naomi Musenga, who died a few hours after calling Samu in vain, come from to be unveiled. According to the public prosecutor, the death of the young woman is the "consequence of a paracetamol intoxication absorbed by self-medication over several days". "The evolutionary destruction of the cells of his liver brought a failure of all his organs leading quickly to his death," he says.

How could such a drug, sold without a prescription, cause the death of this young woman? Because nowadays, the absorption of paracetamol has become commonplace. In the medicine cabinet, at the office or in your bag, the small paracetamol tablet is often close at hand. Whether they are called Doliprane, Efferalgan or Dafalgan, the active substance is the most consumed by the French. And for good reason, it is formidable to relieve pain or lower fever.

But, do not get me wrong. Paracetamol remains a drug. It can therefore have side effects, sometimes serious. In May 2015, a 5-month-old baby died following an overdose of doliprane. The doctor of Samu who had made an approximate prescription and an insufficient interrogation of the parents has since been suspended by the Order of the doctors. But taking too much of the substance is also dangerous for adults.

Overdosage, however slight, may be toxic to the liver, as recalled by the death of Naomi Musenga. This is why it is strongly discouraged for people with severe liver disease without medical advice. "Paracetamol is a molecule that, after its ingestion, is transformed by the liver into a toxic metabolite (N-acetyl p-benzoquinone imine) capable of destroying liver cells in case of overdose", explains the clinical pharmacologist Jean- Paul Giroud at Medisite.

British researchers screened eight studies to determine the dangers of regular consumption. Verdict: the volunteers who took the most are also those who had more kidney problems. In fact, the molecule decreases renal capacity.

This same meta-badysis showed that regular intake of paracetamol (22 tablets of 500 mg per month) increased the risk of developing cardiovascular disease within twelve years. Here, the substance increases blood pressure. To avoid this, Prof. Giroud advises Science et Avenir not to exceed 3 grams in 24 hours and not to badociate it with alcohol.

Thus, adults should not exceed 4 grams per day , respecting an interval of 4 hours between two shots. Same delay for children but with reduced doses, and only every 6 hours. As an indication, the Vidal – THE reference in medicine – recommends:

– child from 3 to 5 kg: 1/2 suppository 100 mg, 1 to 4 times a day

– child from 6 to 8 kg: 100 mg, 1 to 4 times daily

– child 8 to 12 kg: 150 mg, 1 to 4 times daily

– child 12 to 16 kg: 200 mg, 1 to 4 times per day day

– child from 16 to 24 kg: 300 mg, 1 to 4 times a day

– child from 25 to 30 kg: 300 mg, 1 to 6 times a day

– child from 30 to 40 kg: 500 mg, 1 to 4 times a day

– child over 40 kg: 500 mg, 1 to 6 times a day

Other advice: if the pain persists for more than 5 consecutive days, it is preferable to consult a doctor. Regular intake of paracetamol is not as innocuous as it seems

Also, be careful if you are taking another medicine. It may also contain paracetamol and lead to overdose without your noticing it. Hence the importance of carefully reading the information on the box and on the record.

LCI Editors

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