Paracetamol overuse may be linked to dry eye syndrome

Overuse of the pain relievers like paracetamol can present a number of unusual symptoms particularly involving the stomach. Suffering with dry eyes may also be linked to the drug, says studies

Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain or a high temperature. Most people can take paracetamol safely, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.

However, some people need to take extra care with paracetamol, as overuse of the medication can result in liver damage, liver failure and death.

Most people have few or non-specific symptoms in the first 24 hours following paracetamol overdose, such as feeling tired, abdominal pain, or nausea.

This is typically followed by a couple of days without any symptoms, after which yellowish skin, blood clotting problems, and confusion occurs as a result of liver failure.

Occasionally, an overuse of paracetamol may cause severe dry eyes which can negatively affect a person’s life.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye is a condition characterised by a poorly functioning tear film due to compromise to either the quantity or quality of the pre-corneal tear film.

This results in symptoms of dry or burning eyes, “sandy” or “gritty” foreign body sensation.

Ingestion of certain drugs are known to indirectly affect the autonomic nervous system influences liquid secretion causing the dry eye effect.

Medications known to increase this include beta- blockers, antihistamines, antidepressants and paracetamols.

Paracetamol is the most common medicine taken in overdose.

An overdose of the drug can also lead to liver failure in a number of days and could be fatal.

Link between paracetamol and dry eyes

The effect of paracetamol on the tear production of 100 young healthy subjects was studied using their right eyes. These subjects consisted of 40 men and 60 women.

Tear secretion was measured to determine what kind of effect the drug had one the eyes.

It found that the mean baseline tear secretion to be 25.63mm.

“These reductions were found to be statistically significant showing that paracetamol significantly inhibits tear production,” the study noted.

It concluded: “Paracetamol therefore has an inhibitory effect on tear production of healthy individuals, and it is suggested that it be used with care in patients that have dry eye syndrome or are predisposed to it.”

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How to help improve dry eyes

• Change your environment
• Eat more fatty fish in your diet
• Use warm compresses then wash your eyelids
• Stay away from cigarette smoke
• Take regular breaks if straining your eyes for long periods.

Long-term use of paracetamol has also been linked to higher blood pressure over time.

One trial followed 110 volunteers, two-thirds of whom were taking drugs for high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Participants were asked to take 1g of paracetamol four times a day for two weeks, a common dose for patients with chronic pain and then dummy pills, or placebo, for another two weeks.

The trial showed paracetamol increased blood pressure with researchers advising doctors to start patients with chronic pain on as low a dose of paracetamol as possible and keep a close eye on those with high blood pressure and at risk of heart disease.

Additional complications may include kidney failure, pancreatitis, low blood sugar, and lactic acidosis.

The usual dose for adults is one or two 500mg tablets up to four times in 24 hours, says the NHS.

It added: “Always leave at least four hours between doses.”

What to do if you take too many paracetamol

If you think you’ve overdosed on paracetamol, you should call 111 immediately.

The NHS states that you should get held from 111 if you take more than two extra tablets of paracetamol, or more than eight tablets of paracetamol in 24 hours.

Talking too much paracetamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment.

Taking one or two extra tablets by accident is unlikely to be harmful,, as long as you don’t take more than eight tablets in 24 hours, says the NHS.

Wait at least 24 hours until you take any more.