Medical Warnings Against the “Paracetamol” Trend on TikTok

The Bulgarian Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Drug Control Agency, has urged the public to use medical products only for their intended purposes and when symptoms appear. The ministry emphasized that all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, can cause harmful and sometimes severe side effects.

The warning was issued after a new TikTok challenge gained widespread popularity, encouraging young people to consume high doses of painkillers.

The ministry stressed that excessive medication intake, regardless of the active ingredient, can pose severe health risks, including potentially fatal consequences.

Authorities also warned about the dangers of this social media trend, particularly among young people in Western countries, urging parents to remain vigilant and ensure their children do not participate in this hazardous challenge.

Paracetamol is one of the most widely used pain relievers worldwide and is found in many over-the-counter medications such as Paracetamol-Mepha, Dafalgan, Panadol, Neocitran, and Algifor. However, when misused, its active ingredient can cause severe liver damage, and an overdose can be fatal.

Doctors warn that symptoms of poisoning may not appear until 24 to 48 hours after ingestion and can include abdominal pain, nausea, and jaundice.

It is worth noting that social media trends promoting excessive painkiller consumption have become a recurring issue. Many European countries had already issued similar warnings in the summer of 2023.