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While the health information and fact sheets on this website relate to world-wide situations, the drug names will vary between countries – therefore the advice of your local GP should be sought.
Paracetamol Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, December 2008.
Answers to questions about paracetamol
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
How much paracetamol is considered an overdose?
The recommended dose of paracetamol is 500mg to 1g every four hours. This is usually one to two tablets, but you will need to look at your packet to check how much paracetamol each tablet contains. You should take no more than four doses during a 24-hour period. Taking just twice the recommended dose could have harmful effects and would be considered an overdose.
Explanation
Paracetamol is a very safe drug if you take it correctly. However, if you take too much it can cause serious damage to your liver and kidneys. As little as 20 paracetamol tablets taken within 24 hours could cause severe damage to your liver. It can have more harmful effects if you're a heavy drinker.
You should make sure that you only take the recommended dose of paracetamol. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Feeling sick and vomiting are the first symptoms of having taken too much paracetamol. If you realise that you have taken too much, you should contact your GP or hospital as soon as possible, even if you feel fine.
There are many different products containing paracetamol that you can buy over the counter, including dissolvable cold and flu remedies as well as painkiller tablets. You need to be careful to include all products which contain paracetamol when working out what dose you can safely take.
Sources
- Paracetamol tablets 500mg. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, 2008. www.mhra.gov.uk
- Rang H, Dale M, Ritter J, et al., Pharmacology. 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2003: 251-252
- The British Medical Association, New Guide to Medicine and Drugs. 6th ed. Dorling Kindersley: 80
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 224-227, 535-541
- Aspirin and Paracetamol. Prescribing Nurse Bulletin. www.npc.co.uk, accessed 29 July 2008
What is the difference between paracetamol and ibuprofen, and can I take them both at the same time?
Ibuprofen and paracetamol are both drugs which reduce pain. The difference is that ibuprofen also reduces inflammation (swelling), whereas paracetamol doesn't reduce inflammation, but it can reduce fever. Taking paracetamol and ibuprofen together can be helpful if your symptoms aren't being reduced with the recommended dose of only one of these drugs.
Explanation
You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen together if necessary, but you should always make sure that you only take the recommended dose of each drug. The recommended dose of paracetamol is 500mg to 1g every four hours. You should take no more than four of these doses during a 24-hour period. One tablet usually contains 500mg of paracetamol, but you will need to read your packet to check how much paracetamol is in each tablet.
The recommended dose of ibuprofen for adults is 400mg taken every four to six hours. You shouldn't take any more than 2400mg (six of these doses) over a 24-hour period. One tablet usually contains either 200mg or 400mg of ibuprofen, but you will need to look at your packet to check exactly how much ibuprofen each tablet contains. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Sources
- Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55th ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 224-227, 535-541
- The British Medical Association, New Guide to Medicine and Drugs. 6th ed. Dorling Kindersley: 80
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen in the treatment of fever and acute pain in children under six years. PRODIGY Quick Reference Guide, 2006. www.cks.library.nhs.uk
- Paracetamol tablets 500mg. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, 2008. www.mhra.gov.uk
- Rang H, Dale M, Ritter J, et al., Pharmacology. 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2003: 251-252
- Ibuprofen. Cancer Research UK. www.cancerhelp.org.uk, accessed 7 October 2008
How long does it take for paracetamol to start working?
Paracetamol will start to take effect between 15 minutes and one hour after you have taken it.
Explanation
The effects of paracetamol can last for up to six hours. You can take between 500mg and 1g every four to six hours as necessary. But you shouldn't take any more than four doses of 1g paracetamol over a 24-hour period.
Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Sources
- The British Medical Association, New Guide to Medicine and Drugs. 6th ed. Dorling Kindersley: 80
- Paracetamol tablets 500mg. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, 2008. www.mhra.gov.uk
- Rang H, Dale M, Ritter J, et al., Pharmacology. 5th ed. Churchill Livingstone, 2003: 251-252
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: December 2008