Think Your Painkillers Are Safe? Delhi Liver Surgeon Warns Common Medicines May Damage Your Liver

Delhi: A liver specialist in Delhi has warned that commonly used painkillers and over-the-counter medicines may not be as harmless as many people assume, cautioning that misuse or overuse can put serious strain on the liver.

Highlighting the risks linked to self-medication, Dr Puneet Singla said the liver plays a crucial role in processing medicines and removing toxins, but excessive or improper drug use can overwhelm its ability to function effectively.

The warning comes as growing numbers of people rely on over-the-counter medications for routine ailments such as headaches, colds and body pain, often without medical guidance. According to the expert, incorrect dosing, frequent use and combining multiple medicines can all raise the risk of liver injury.

Dr Singla also cautioned that even widely used drugs such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can pose risks when taken in excess or mixed unsafely, particularly alongside alcohol or other medications containing similar ingredients.

Beyond conventional medicines, he warned that herbal and “natural” remedies should not automatically be considered safe, noting that some supplements can cause liver damage or interfere with other treatments.

The expert urged people to follow dosage instructions carefully, avoid mixing medications without professional advice and seek medical guidance before using long-term over-the-counter drugs or supplements, stressing that protecting liver health often begins with greater caution in everyday medicine use.