In 2024, a total of deaths were recorded in England and Wales as a result of paracetamol poisoning. Over the provided time interval, the number of fatal drug poisonings by paracetamol has generally fallen since peaking at deaths in 1997. Paracetamol is a commonly used painkiller dispensed over the counter in the United Kingdom.Â
How does paracetamol poisoning happen?
Overdose from this medication occurs after excessive ingestion, which can happen either accidentally or deliberately. In the UK, three types of overdose from paracetamol have been defined by the National Poisons Information Service. They are acute overdose – taking a large amount of the drug within one hour, most likely in the circumstance of self-harm; staggered overdose – a large amount ingested but over a longer period than one hour, still usually related to self-harm; and therapeutic excess, which is usually done when trying to treat pain and without intent to harm oneself.Â
Context of paracetamol overdose deaths
In 2024, there were over deaths overall from drug poisoning in England and Wales. Showing that paracetamol overdose deaths account for a relatively small share of drug deaths overall. Overdose deaths are approximately twice as common in males than females. Furthermore, the majority of drug overdose deaths in England and Wales were ruled as accidental poisonings. However, in 2024, around deaths were declared to be intentional self-poisoning.