Paracetamol challenge: recognising risks and taking responsibility

Introduction

A viral video, a seemingly harmless trend – but suddenly someone close to you takes a dangerous dose of paracetamol just to prove themselves online. The paracetamol challenge is not a game – it has already led to severe poisoning and tragic consequences. What starts as a harmless social media trend often ends in hospital or with lasting damage. Likes, challenges and peer pressure ensure that new dangerous trends keep emerging – with real consequences for health.

This article explains:

• Why so many people get involved in these trends

• What health damage can be caused by a paracetamol overdose

• How social media encourages risky behaviour

• What measures can help if someone is affected

These trends will not go away by themselves – but understanding them can help us take countermeasures.

What is the paracetamol challenge and why is it so dangerous?

The paracetamol challenge is a viral trend in which young people swallow large doses of paracetamol to prove themselves online. What is often not considered is that even a small overdose can be dangerous.

• Acute effects: nausea, vomiting, liver failure, circulatory collapse

• Long-term damage: chronic liver damage, reduced detoxification capacity of the body, in severe cases even fatal.

This challenge is one of a series of dangerous dares:

• ‘Benadryl challenge’: high doses of an antihistamine to cause hallucinations – resulting in severe poisoning.

• ‘Cinnamon challenge’: a spoonful of cinnamon can cause choking and pneumonia.

• ‘Tide Pod challenge’: eating detergent capsules has led to numerous hospitalisations.

Why are these trends so dangerous? Because they seem harmless, peer pressure plays a major role, and many people only realise how serious the consequences are when it is too late.

Why are dangerous social media trends copied?

Why do young people deliberately take medication even though they know it can be dangerous? Here are some reasons:

• Peer pressure: ‘Everyone's doing it – no one wants to be the exception.’

• Likes and attention: Those who dare get more followers and reach further.

• The danger is invisible: The damage often only occurs later, so it feels harmless.

• ‘It only happens to others’: Many assume that they have everything under control.

This mixture of social pressure and false security is what makes such challenges particularly dangerous.

What can be done if someone is affected?

Social media will not disappear – but how we use them can be improved. If someone in your circle of friends or close environment is affected, there are ways to act:

• Seek a frank conversation: Without reproach, but directly. ‘Do you realise what this can do to your body?’

• Highlight real consequences: Real stories about people who have suffered health damage as a result of such challenges.

• Suggest alternatives: Challenges that are exciting without health risks.

• Report dangerous content: TikTok and Instagram offer functions to report such videos.

• Seek support: If someone does not listen to advice, maybe others can help.

Where can I get help?

If an overdose has already occurred or someone is seriously at risk, there are various places to turn:

• Emergency medical assistance: Call the emergency services immediately if there are signs of poisoning.

• Poison information centres: These provide immediate advice on what to do.

• Psychological support: When peer pressure or self-destructive behaviour becomes a pattern.

• Reporting dangerous content: Platforms like TikTok and Instagram offer reporting functions for trends that are harmful to health.

Conclusion: Act consciously instead of thoughtlessly participating

The paracetamol challenge is just one example of how social media can amplify risky behaviour. But instead of just getting annoyed about it, there are ways to actively counteract it.

• Understand why such trends arise

• Have open conversations instead of condemning

• Scrutinise whether content is manipulative or dangerous

• Support and point out alternatives

• Intervene early if someone is at risk

Such trends won't go away on their own – but with knowledge, dialogue and responsibility, a lot of harm can be avoided.