Mum, 57, with a ‘head cold’ dies suddenly after accidentally overdosing on paracetamol
A MUM with a “head cold” died suddenly after accidentally overdosing on paracetamol, a court has heard.
Nicola Price, 57, caught flu on holiday in Tenerife and began taking over-the-counter painkillers to treat her symptoms.
She was found “gasping” and “wheezing” at her home in Wymondham by her mother Beryl and brother William on December 29, 2023.
Nicola was then rushed to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital where she died seven days later after suffering multiple organ failure.
An inquest into her death at Norfolk Coroner’s Court this week heard how her family claims she was given an injection of morphine direct to her heart, according to the BBC.
In a witness statement, her brother said: “I asked if she could have dialysis, but if they took her off the ventilator that she would most likely die in the corridor.
“They gave her morphine to stop her heart and they took her oxygen away and it took six hours for her to die.
“I don’t know why they didn’t give her the chance of further treatment.”
But Norfolk coroner Yvonne Blake dismissed the allegations after hearing evidence that morphine was administered to her hand or wrist via a pump.
Doctors, paramedics and A&E clinicians also said they did not know there was a risk of paracetamol overdose.
They instead prioritised treating Nicola’s breathing difficulties with a suspected chest infection.
The day after she was admitted Dr Christopher Atkins, a respiratory consultant, was told she had “taken the lot” of paracetamol.
Blood tests confirmed Nicola had “accidentally overdosed” through a “staggered consumption”.
It is not clear exactly how much of the painkiller she took.
This caused damage to her liver and kidneys, the inquest heard.
Her liver function improved through two sessions of dialysis, however she was suffering from kidney failure.
Ms Blake said she was “satisfied” that Nicola was “appropriately treated”.
The main medical cause of death was given as multiple organ failure.
This was due to an acute liver injury related to an accidental paracetamol overdose.
How many paracetamol are dangerous?
PARACETAMOL can seem like a harmless drug.
But the painkiller – found in every home’s medicine cabinet – is dangerous in large doses, just like any other drug.
The NHS warns no matter how bad your pain is, do not risk taking more than the recommended dose.
Paracetamol is the perfect remedy for all sorts of ailments, from headaches, stomach aches, a high temperature and period cramps.
It blocks pain receptors in the body.
The NHS gives guidance on how to take over-the-counter pills.
It says the absolute maximum dose adults can take is eight 500mg tablets in 24 hours.
This is four “doses” of one-two 500mg tablets.
And the NHS says you should always leave at least four hours between each dose (one-two tablets).