Liver Enzymes in Patients Using Paracetamol Chronically for Pain Management in Delta State

Paracetamol is the most widely used analgesic in Nigeria and is often consumed at high or frequent doses by patients with chronic pain without medical supervision. This study evaluates liver enzyme levels including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in patients using paracetamol chronically for pain management in Delta State, South South Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was adopted, recruiting 160 adults who had been using paracetamol at doses above 2 grams per day for three months or longer. A control group of 80 non-paracetamol users with comparable pain histories was recruited for comparison. Venous blood samples were collected and analysed using standard enzymatic methods. Daily dose, duration of use, concurrent alcohol consumption, and nutritional status were documented. Renal function tests and a complete blood count were also performed to characterise overall health status. The study aims to determine whether chronic paracetamol use in this population contributes to measurable subclinical hepatotoxicity. Findings will support harm-reduction counselling and responsible analgesic prescribing in South South Nigeria. Keywords: paracetamol hepatotoxicity, liver enzymes, chronic pain, analgesic use, Delta State.