Paracetamol: Does it cause kidney failure?

Don't eat panadol, you'll end up with kidney failure! This is a common phrase we often hear.

Ever wondered whether it might be true or might not? Well, it's just a misconception, says an expert.

Medical officer Dr Malar Santhi Santherasegapan, commonly known as 'Celoteh Dr Malar', said it's okay to consume panadol, just not too often.

"Panadol is the brand name for Paracetamol. Just like Maggi for instant noodles and Colgate for toothpaste.

"Panadol or Paracetamol will not "stay long" in our body and cause internal organ damage five years later. That's a misconception," she said through her Twitter account @celotehdrmalar.

Malar said that paracetamol comes out of the body on the same day through urine.

"Paracetamol consumed for fever or pain reliever is absorbed through the intestines, processed in the liver, and excreted from our body through urine.

"So when we eat Panadol or Paracetamol, the internal organs of the liver and kidneys have to work," she said.

However, Malar said there are high chances of organ failure if paracetamol is consumed too often.

"When Panadol or Paracetamol is consumed every day for weeks, months, even years, it has the potential to damage internal organs such as the liver and kidneys.

"Be careful and monitor your parents. Be sure to consume medicine as directed by the doctor," she reasoned.

Paracetamol is a commonly used medicine that can help treat pain and reduce a high temperature (fever).

It is also used to relieve mild or moderate pain, like headaches, toothaches, or sprains.

Common brand names include Tylenol and Panadol.