Assessment of Awareness Regarding Paracetamol-Containing Medicine Toxicity Among Syrians

This study aimed to assess Syrians’ awareness of paracetamol toxicity. An online survey was shared on social media, and in-person interviews were conducted in June 2025. A total of 114 valid responses were collected. The questionnaire had three sections: demographic information, participants’ knowledge of the paracetamol treatment plan, and their perceptions of its risks and toxicity. The results showed that most participants (70.3%) knew that daily paracetamol intake is unnecessary. Additionally, 60.7% believed that paracetamol should only be used when needed, especially for pain. The findings also indicated that 73% of participants do not take paracetamol for long periods without understanding the cause of their pain. However, 13.5% admitted to taking it despite being unaware of the pain’s origin, assuming it might be psychological rather than physical. In such cases, using paracetamol is unnecessary and could cause adverse effects. Although paracetamol is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication, 76.6% of participants reported using it without medical consultation. It can lead to serious side effects, such as liver toxicity, especially if misused. However, 33% of respondents were unaware that paracetamol could cause such complications due to uncontrolled use.