How Safe Is Paracetamol?

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There is nothing in the industry that can tackly excess body temperature than paracetamol can. Even as regards pain killers, paracetamol is considered safe when used in combination with an analgesic like ibubrufen or diclofenac sodium. However, what many people fail to realize is the effect that paracetamol has on the liver. Paracetamol by itself does not affect the liver, however, it's metabolism is what induces toxicity in the liver.The hepatic enzyme Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) system is responsible for the metabolism. The toxic effect is due to a minor alkylating metabolite, called N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinone imine, abbreviated as NAPQI. At usual doses, the metabolite NAPQI is quickly detoxed and eventually excreted by the kidneys. Also, paracetamol has a narrow therapeutic index, which means the dosage levels for therapeutic use and the dosage marked as toxic is very close, and hence an increase in risk of overdosage. Hepatocytes make up 60-80% of the cytoplasmic mass of the liver. These cells are involved in protein synthesis, protein storage and transformation of carbohydrates, synthesis of cholesterol, bile salts and phospholipids, and detoxification, modification and excretion of exogenous and endogenous substances. When a paracetamol OD occurs, the NAPQI metabolite causes widespread hepatocyte damage and death. Paracetamol is a boon, but it has it's share of dangers....use it wisely, and use it only on the advise of your Health Advisor...final words!