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Paracetamol Overdose in Somali Children Under Five: An Emerging Public Health Concern

Widad Mohamed Hassan1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Dr Sumait Hospital, SIMAD University, Mogadishu, Somalia.

Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety
|May 25, 2026
PubMed

Insights

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.

Keywords:
N-acetylcysteineSomaliahepatotoxicityparacetamolpediatric overdosepublic health

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