Paracetamol is a widespread painkiller and antipyretic drug available non-prescription. In contrast non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) doesn’t have anti-inflammatory activity and doesn’t affect the blood coagulation process. Paracetamol modifies many signaling pathways in the body, which indicates its complex mechanism of action. This drug is mainly used to aleviate the symptoms of flu and cold, as well as in the treatment of low and medium pain, including cancer pain. The wide availability of preparations with paracetamol also in general stores and still insufficient education of patients in the field of pharmacotherapy, makes the risk associated with overdose significantly increase. This work draws attention to the problem of hepatotoxicity and the wide availability of paracetamol. In addition, it is an attempt to determine the boundary between safe and effective treatment and the possibility of overdose this drug.

Keywords: paracetamol, over the counter drugs, hepatotoxicity, dose.