Archive · 2 Aug 2026
Excessive Painkiller Use Can Damage Liver, Warns Expert
Some medicines that help with pain, like paracetamol, are safe when you follow the instructions.
But if you take too much or take several medicines that all have paracetamol, you can hurt your liver.
Doctors say that medicines called NSAIDs can also hurt the liver, but this is less common.
People who drink alcohol, already have liver problems, or are very old or very light are more at risk.
To stay safe, read the medicine labels, don’t take more than the recommended dose, and try to find out why you’re in pain instead of just taking more medicine.
Overuse of painkillers, especially paracetamol, can cause serious liver injury.
Taking multiple medications containing paracetamol can unknowingly exceed safe limits.
NSAIDs like ibuprofen and diclofenac can also harm the liver, though less common.
Risk factors include alcohol use, existing liver disease, age, weight, and drug interactions.
Experts recommend reading labels, limiting use, and addressing underlying pain causes.
- Who
- Dr Bhushan Bhole, Senior Consultant, GI Surgery and Liver Transplantation, PSRI Hospital
- What
- Advises on the dangers of overusing painkillers, especially paracetamol, and how to reduce liver risk
- Why
- Excessive or prolonged use of painkillers can cause serious liver injury, including acute liver failure
- Key Painkiller
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen)
- Other Painkillers
- NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen
- Major Risk
- Liver injury and acute liver failure
- Risk Factors
- Alcohol use, existing liver disease, age, weight, drug interactions
- Recommendation
- Read labels, limit use, treat underlying causes