‘Paracetamol Challenge’ Risks Fatal Consequences for Teens

The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products has alerted healthcare professionals and parents about a concerning trend known as the “Paracetamol Challenge” that is gaining popularity, particularly on social media, among children and adolescents.

This challenge involves the deliberate ingestion of toxic doses of paracetamol to evaluate one’s resistance and compare the duration of hospitalisation with friends. This highlights the critical importance of keeping medications out of children’s reach at all times.

The risks associated with this challenge are severe. Paracetamol overdose can lead to serious liver damage, which may be irreversible in some cases and require liver transplantation. Paracetamol overdose is the leading cause of drug-related liver transplantation in France. Additionally, it can damage the kidneys and pancreas.

In case of an overdose, it is crucial for parents to be aware of the risks and the importance of immediately contacting a poison control centre or emergency services. In cases of suspected paracetamol overdose (exceeding the maximum recommended dose per dose or per day or not adhering to the minimum time between doses).

Treatment must be started promptly, even if symptoms are absent, as early signs may not appear, which could lead to false reassurance. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, and excessive sweating may develop within the first 24 hours.

Pharmacists are reminded that, except in legally authorised cases, dispensing medication to minors without the consent of their parents or legal representatives is not permitted. Paracetamol should not be dispensed to children or adolescents outside the established guidelines. When dispensing to adults, it is important to remind them of the risks associated with overdose.

This story was translated from Univadis France using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.