The “Paracetamol Challenge”: a dangerous trend putting teenagers at risk

The "Paracetamol Challenge" is a dangerous challenge that started in the USA and is now also circulating in Europe on TikTok, putting the health of young people at risk. The Belgian Poison Control Center raised the alarm

The “Paracetamol Challenge” is a lethal trend that has been on for years, initially taking place in the United States before spreading to Europe. The dangerous activity, which has gained popularity on social media sites like TikTok, involves teenagers challenging each other to consume high doses of paracetamol to see who can withstand the longest in their bodies. The supposed winner is the individual who spends the most time in the hospital.

The trend has also been of concern to health authorities in a number of nations, notably Belgium, where the Belgisch Antigifcentrum (Belgian Poison Control Center) has issued a warning on the extreme dangers posed by this challenge.

Experts point out that excessive intake of paracetamol can cause permanent liver damage, kidney malfunction, and, in extreme cases, death.

The issue was also tackled in the Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles Parliament, where Yves Coppieters called for increased vigilance and prevention of youth from this negative trend.

The risks

Paracetamol is a well-established painkiller and anti-pyretic for mild to moderate pain and fever relief. When used correctly, it is largely harmless. The abuse of it, however, by using more than is advised can be extremely risky, with ensuing health consequences that involve:

• Acute liver damage: The liver is the primary target for the metabolism of paracetamol. Overdose causes acute damage to the liver, which can be irreversible and require a transplant of the liver.
• Kidney failure: Kidney damage caused by paracetamol overdose results in acute kidney failure.
• Gastrointestinal disturbances: The poisoning caused by paracetamol results in nausea, vomiting, and pain in the stomach.
• Allergic reactions: Dermatological reactions and hypersensitivity reactions are the very rare type of reactions, which may sometimes occur.

Symptoms of paracetamol overdose

Syntoms may differ according to the level of intoxication and the duration after ingestion. At the onset, symptoms are minor or absent and thus difficult to detect.

Symptoms that develop early are:

• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal discomfort
• Pallor
• Sweat
• Lethargy or decreased consciousness

If left untreated, paracetamol poisoning can cause liver failure, with symptoms such as jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), confusion, reduced urination, drowsiness or coma, rapid breathing, and low blood sugar levels.

In case of suspected overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention or contact the Poison Control Center.

How to prevent the risks

The Belgisch Antigifcentrum warns that the “Paracetamol Challenge” is lethal and stresses that paracetamol must be stored out of reach of children and only consumed according to doctors’ prescriptions.

It is also important to safeguard children and teenagers from dangerous online content, including the challenges being posted on TikTok. These dangerous trends continue to circulate without any control, posing severe health risks to young users.