Death from drug poisoning by paracetamol in England and Wales 1993-2022

In 2022, 261 deaths were recorded in England and Wales as a result of paracetamol poisoning. Over the provided time interval, the number of fatal drug poisonings by paracetamol has generally fallen since peaking at 653 deaths in 1997. Paracetamol is a commonly used painkiller dispensed over-the-counter in the United Kingdom. 

How does paracetamol poisoning happen?

Overdose from this medication occurs after excessive ingestion, which can happen either accidentally or deliberately. In the UK, three types of overdose from paracetamol have been defined by the National poisons information service. They are acute overdose – taking a large amount of the drug within one hour most likely in the circumstance of self-harm; staggered overdose – a large amount ingested but over a longer period than one hour still usually related to self-harm; and therapeutic excess which is usually done when trying to treat pain and without intent to harm oneself.

Context of paracetamol overdose deaths

In 2019, there were over 4.4 thousand deaths overall from drug poisoning in England and Wales. Showing that paracetamol overdose deaths account for a relatively small share of drug deaths overall. Overdose deaths are twice as common in males than females. Furthermore, the majority of drug overdose deaths in England and Wales were ruled as accidental poisonings. However, in 2019, around 950 deaths were declared to be intentional self-poisoning.