A CORONER has warned of the dangers of taking excessive amounts of paracetamol after a mum died of multiple organ failure.

An inquest in Bolton heard how 52-year-old Michelle Walker had been self-medicating with the tablets to deal with pain caused by osteoporosis, but in the days before her death on October 30 last year, she developed flu like symptoms and also started taking Lemsip which contains paracetamol.

Her husband, Craig Walker, told the court that early on October 29 his wife became restless. Paramedics were called and rushed her to the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Mrs Walker, of Melrose Avenue, Heaton, was drowsy and doctors discovered her liver and kidneys were failing.

Consultant anaesthetist Jeremy Wood said everything possible was done to treat Mrs Walker, but her condition deteriorated, with other organs failing and she died the next day.

The inquest heard that Mrs Walker had previously struggled with alcohol dependency and blood tests requested by her GP and taken two weeks before her death revealed abnormal, but not life threatening, liver disease.

Pathologist Angela Ong stressed that because her liver was not functioning properly, Mrs Walker was more susceptible to paracetamol toxicity, which is likely to have caused the organ to fail.

Mr Walker told the court that his wife, who was described as sociable and family orientated, kept paracetamol in her housecoat pocket and he suspected that she was taking it in greater doses than recommended.

Assistant Coroner Rachel Griffin said she was satisfied that Mrs Walker had not intended to harm herself.

"There is no suggestion that she has taken an overdose," said Mrs Griffin.

"I believe she has been taking tablets to try and ease her pain."

But she added that it is not possible to say how much extra paracetamol Mrs Walker was taking.

"The only person who does know is Michelle herself," she said.

Recording a conclusion that Mrs Walker died as a result of misadventure, Mrs Griffin said: "I am satisfied she did not intend the consequences to be her own death.

"Sadly and tragically, Michelle's death highlights the importance of taking medication at the dose prescribed or stipulated."