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Paracetamol Overdose in Somali Children Under Five: An Emerging Public Health Concern
1Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Sumait Hospital, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia.
Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety
|May 25, 2026
Summary
Accidental pediatric paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose is a growing concern in Somalia. Key factors include dosing errors and limited access to antidotes like N-acetylcysteine (NAC), increasing the risk of severe liver injury.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Toxicology
Background:
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is a common medication for pain and fever in children.
- Accidental overdose is a significant public health issue, particularly in low-resource settings like Somalia.
- Vulnerability in children is exacerbated by malnutrition, incorrect dosing, and delayed medical care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review risk factors, clinical consequences, and prevention strategies for paracetamol overdose in children in Somalia.
- To highlight the specific challenges and vulnerabilities within the Somali context.
- To identify areas for intervention to reduce pediatric liver injury.
Main Methods:
- This study is a narrative review of published literature.
- Focuses on risk factors, clinical consequences, and prevention strategies.
- Contextualizes findings within the Somali healthcare landscape.
Main Results:
- Dosing misconceptions, age-based dosing, and easy access contribute to overdose risk.
- Hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure are serious consequences.
- Delayed presentation and limited N-acetylcysteine (NAC) availability in Somalia worsen outcomes.
- Limited data exists on paracetamol overdose incidence and NAC availability in Somalia.
Conclusions:
- Strengthening caregiver education and pharmacy counseling is crucial.
- Improving access to essential antidotes like NAC is vital.
- Establishing national poison surveillance systems can help reduce preventable pediatric liver injury.
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