The Toxicology Information Center of the Catholic University (CITUC) has issued a warning regarding a critical spike in paracetamol poisoning cases among minors in Chile. According to reports from cnnchile.com, incidents within this demographic have surged by 500% in recent years.
Juan Carlos Ríos, director of CITUC, linked this phenomenon to the spread of dangerous challenges on digital platforms. The specialist warned that while the misuse of this medication is common, it is creating severe health risks for children and adolescents.
“Viral challenges are not a game. In recent years, cases of paracetamol poisoning among school-aged children and adolescents have increased by more than 500%,” Ríos emphasized, as reported by CNN Chile.
Impact on liver health
Historical records from the specialized center show sustained growth over the last two decades. The specialist detailed that cases among adolescents rose from 168 in 2006 to over 1,000 in 2025. For school-aged children, figures climbed from 30 to more than 150 during the same period.
Excessive consumption of this drug can lead to severe complications. One of the primary threats is acute liver damage, symptoms of which can appear just hours after ingestion.
The most serious cases of poisoning require immediate hospital intervention. In critical situations, patients may require the administration of antidotes or even a liver transplant.
The director of CITUC issued a call for prevention and education regarding the correct use of medication. “That is why it is essential to stay informed. Social media challenges are not a game: the challenge is to stop them,” the specialist concluded.
