Paracetamol is so familiar it barely registers as a drug anymore. Most households keep a strip or two around at all times, and many people buy it in bulk to save on trips to the pharmacy. That familiarity, though, is where the risk comes in.
The standard adult dose is 500mg to 1g per dose, taken every four to six hours, with a maximum of 4g in 24 hours. What most people don't realise is how easy it is to exceed that, especially when combining paracetamol with cold and flu medications that already contain it. Liver damage from paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of medication-related hospital admissions in Nigeria.
Storage matters more than you think
Paracetamol should be stored below 30°C, away from direct sunlight and humidity. In Lagos, that means not in the bathroom cabinet and not in a car glove box. Heat degrades the active compound, reducing potency over time. Always check the expiry date before use — expired paracetamol isn't just ineffective, it can be harmful.
If you're buying in bulk, store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. And if you have children at home, lock it away — paracetamol overdose is the number one cause of accidental poisoning in children under five across West Africa.
