GENOTOXIC EFFECT OF PARACETAMOL CONTAINING TABLETS IN CULTURED HUMAN LYMPHOCYTES

Lymphocytes are the key cells in body’s defense system against foreign pathogens. Any agent which causes reduction in their number and viability can seriously impair the body’s defense system. Paracetamol or acetaminophen is a widely used over the counter drug for many common ailments. Acute or overdoses of commonly used tablets containing paracetamol causes undesired effects in human body often leading to death. Although there are extensive reports about the toxicity of paracetamol in association with liver failure and kidney functions, little is known about its effect in cultured lymphocytes and the effect on human DNA. This study focuses on the genotoxic effects of commonly used tablets containing Paracetamol in cultured human lymphocytes using routine cytotoxic assays viability and counting of cultured lymphocytes.