Dangers of Paracetamol

Family, Education, Health and Pets
21
Would it be correct to assume that if you take a minimal one-off accidental overdose (say twice the recommended dose) the effects of that one-off overdose a) wouldn't be significant and b) wouldn't have any long term consequences?

My late Grandmother used to take 3 paracetamol before going to bed each night claiming it helped her sleep. I am convinced this was just a placebo effect and I told her numerous times to stop it and just have, say, a milky drink instead.

She died of a blocked or hardened (can't remember which) artery near the heart presumbably not brought about by the constant dose of paracetamol.

22
The recommended maximum dose of paracetamol as previously discussed (max 1g per 4hrs or 4g in 24h) is what is considered safe for the general population which has been devised taking into consideration knowledge of huge inter-individual differences that exist in the human population due to genetics/environment/diet/disease etc which all can have a great impact on the way our bodies process and eradicate drugs. That said, the actual levels which 'generally' cause liver toxicity are a wee bit higher but none-the -less you should heed the recommendations as they are there for your safety.

So in answer to your question, it is unlikely you will cause liver toxicity with a one-off small overdose (ie 2 x recommended doseage) unless you are already predisposed to liver disease or injury or have been drinking etc. The best advice I would give is to avoid doing so and monitor any obvious side effects. If you notice any, go to the doctor immediately to seek advice and treatment if necessary

23
No no no no no. Chances are your doctor won't . 1g maximum. More than that means hospital and VERY close supervisiion. Yes, you'll probably get away with more in one dose, but NO doctor will prescribe more. Ibuprofen, otoh, has an over-the-counter dose of 400mg, but medical dose up to 800mg. But paracetemol. No.

I had paracetemol for post-operative pain. When it wasn't enough, they didn't give me another one. They gave me something else.

You said - "it's not on the packet, but you can do this". I'm not saying this to get at you, but simply because it is vastly IRRESPONSIBLE to suggest that ANYONE take more than the recommended dose of ANY drug. And foolish.