Clinical Significance

Acetaminophen (paracetamol) is used as an analgesic in many different formulations. While therapeutic doses rarely cause adverse side effects, the effect of long-term treatment with acetaminophen is unclear. Cases have been reported where chronic excessive use of acetaminophen has led to hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In case of acute overdosage, acetaminophen can cause severe hepatic damage leading to hepatic failure if untreated.