An alleged “paracetamol challenge” circulating on TikTok is generating concern in Portugal and led the Republican National Guard to issue a warning aimed at families. The content encourages young people to ingest high amounts of this medicine, exposing them to serious health risks.
Paracetamol is a common drug for treating pain and fever, but excessive consumption can cause severe liver damage and, in extreme situations, put life in danger. One of the biggest dangers is that symptoms do not always appear immediately, which can delay seeking medical help.
Given the dissemination of these videos, the GNR appeals to the attention of parents, family members and educators for possible changes in behavior, recommends that medicines be kept out of the reach of young people and reinforces the importance of dialogue about the real risks associated with dangerous content on social networks.
Authorities also emphasize that, in the event of any suspicion of excessive paracetamol ingestion, one should not wait for symptoms to appear. The recommendation is to seek immediate medical attention or rush to a hospital.
Possible signs include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, especially on the right side, sweating, general malaise, loss of appetite and, in more advanced stages, jaundice. Still, even without visible symptoms, serious internal injuries may already exist.
The GNR reminds us that viral challenges can have irreversible consequences and calls for prevention, vigilance and responsibility in protecting young people.
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— Denúncia Burlas 🖤 (@DenunciaBurlas)
