Paracetamol is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is generally safe when taken as directed, but there is a maximum daily dose of 4 grams per day for adults that should not be exceeded. Signs of an overdose include stomach pains, nausea, and potentially liver damage. Paracetamol is used to treat minor aches, pains, fever, and can help manage arthritis pain when taken regularly. It is important to follow dosage instructions, be aware of any other medications containing paracetamol, and see a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Paracetamol is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is generally safe when taken as directed, but there is a maximum daily dose of 4 grams per day for adults that should not be exceeded. Signs of an overdose include stomach pains, nausea, and potentially liver damage. Paracetamol is used to treat minor aches, pains, fever, and can help manage arthritis pain when taken regularly. It is important to follow dosage instructions, be aware of any other medications containing paracetamol, and see a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Paracetamol is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is generally safe when taken as directed, but there is a maximum daily dose of 4 grams per day for adults that should not be exceeded. Signs of an overdose include stomach pains, nausea, and potentially liver damage. Paracetamol is used to treat minor aches, pains, fever, and can help manage arthritis pain when taken regularly. It is important to follow dosage instructions, be aware of any other medications containing paracetamol, and see a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Paracetamol is a common over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer. It is generally safe when taken as directed, but there is a maximum daily dose of 4 grams per day for adults that should not be exceeded. Signs of an overdose include stomach pains, nausea, and potentially liver damage. Paracetamol is used to treat minor aches, pains, fever, and can help manage arthritis pain when taken regularly. It is important to follow dosage instructions, be aware of any other medications containing paracetamol, and see a doctor immediately if an overdose is suspected.
Important things to remember Australian Rheumatology Association to help you There is a limit to the amount of understand the medicine that has been paracetamol that can be safely taken in a 24 prescribed for you. It includes important hour period. information about You MUST see your doctor as soon as • how you should take your medicine possible or go to the nearest emergency • what are the possible side effects department if you think you have taken too much paracetamol. • other precautions you should take when taking paracetamol. • For otherwise healthy adults the maximum daily dose is 4 grams per day (6-8 tablets, Please read it carefully and discuss it with your depending on the strength of the tablets). doctor. This may be less if you have severe liver problems, or are frail or elderly What is paracetamol and how does • Doses for children depend on their weight it work? and must be carefully calculated. Paracetamol is a common pain killer (analgesic). • Be aware that other medicines may contain It can also lower raised body temperature (fever). paracetamol, including cold and flu It is used for relief of fever, headaches, the pain preparations and other pain preparations. of arthritis and other minor aches and pains, Check the ingredients of such medicines including pain from colds, flu and period pain. before you take them. If you do take other medicines containing paracetamol be sure It is thought that paracetamol works in the brain to consider these and not exceed the to prevent the release of substances that recommended total daily dose of increase pain and temperature. paracetamol. There are many brands of Paracetamol provides relief of pain and high paracetamol. These and any other temperatures within 30 minutes of taking a dose. medicines containing paracetamol will have the generic name paracetamol on the packet or bottle. How is it used in arthritis? Paracetamol is usually the first medicine doctors • It is also important to tell your nurse / doctor recommend for the relief of all types of / pharmacist about any other medicines musculoskeletal pain including arthritis. Unlike you are taking. ibuprofen (brand name Nurofen) and other non steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), For more information about arthritis see the paracetamol is not effective in reducing the Arthritis Australia website inflammation associated with arthritis. www.arthritisaustralia.com.au You can find out more about NSAIDs from the separate ARA information sheet on NSAIDs. When taken regularly paracetamol may help to manage severe pain and can reduce the need for stronger pain medicines or NSAIDs. This may
Australian Rheumatology Association
www.rheumatology.org.au paracetamol 1 Revised February 2016 help reduce the side effects from these other It is usually taken every 4 to 8 hours depending medicines. on the type of preparation. For example, for arthritis the dose could be two slow release (SR) tablets every 8 hours such as 8am, 2 pm and How is paracetamol taken? bedtime. Paracetamol is usually taken by mouth in tablet The side effects of paracetamol are not increased or capsule form. It is also available as liquids and if you take it regularly provided you do not exceed rectal suppositories. the recommended maximum daily dose. What is the dosage? Always follow the instructions provided in the Paracetamol usually comes in a 500mg tablet or packaging unless otherwise directed by your capsule. It is also available in slow release (SR) doctor. 665mg tablets. The usual dose for adults and If the pain or temperature is not controlled do not children 12 years and older is 2 tablets. take more than the recommended dose. Contact Liquid paracetamol is available for younger your doctor so that the situation can be children. For over the counter paracetamol the reassessed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you dose depends on the child’s age. are uncertain about how often to take your medicine. If your child is prescribed paracetamol regularly the usual dose is 15mg per kg of body weight. When taken regularly paracetamol may be the only painkiller needed or it may reduce the need Liquid paracetamol comes in different strengths for stronger medicines, including NSAIDs. so it is very important you check the strength to ensure you don’t take or give more than is recommended. How long is the treatment continued? The doses in the table below are a guide only - Treatment with paracetamol can be for a short check with your doctor or pharmacist to period or long term. The side effects are not determine exactly what dose you should be increased with long term treatment provided you taking. The dose may need to be reduced if you do not exceed the recommended maximum daily have liver problems. dose.
How often should it be taken?
Paracetamol can be taken when needed, that is when you feel the pain, or it may be taken regularly to manage persistent pain. Regular dosing is recommended to treat the persistent pain that may be associated with arthritis.
PARACETAMOL DOSAGE GUIDE
DOSE FREQUENCY MAXUMUM DAILY (24 hour) DOSE ADULTS 2 x 500mg tablets Every 4 to 6 hours 4 doses or 8 tablets (4 g) per day (including children 2 x 665mg tablets Every 8 hours 3 doses or 6 tablets (4g) per day 12 years and older) CHILDREN 10-15mg/kg Every 4 to 6 hours 4 doses or (under 12 years*) 60mg/kg per day for fever 60-90mg/kg per day for pain
* Paracetamol should not be given to children under 6 months of age unless under medical supervision.
Australian Rheumatology Association
www.rheumatology.org.au paracetamol 2 Revised February 2016 Are there any side effects? Blood tests Most people who take paracetamol at • Usually blood tests are not required for recommended doses do not have side effects. people taking paracetamol. Paracetamol does not affect blood clotting, worsen asthma or affect the function of the kidneys. It also does not increase blood pressure Use with other medicines or increase the risk of heart attacks. • Anticoagulants e.g. warfarin can be taken safely with paracetamol. If you are taking the Rare side effects maximum dose of paracetamol (4 grams a • Stomach pains and nausea have been rarely day) on a regular basis, more frequent reported. monitoring of warfarin is required. • Allergy to paracetamol can occur very rarely • Aspirin can be taken safely with paracetamol with a variety of skin rashes. in the low doses used for preventing heart attack and stroke. Effects associated with overdose • It is safe to take paracetamol with antibiotics Paracetamol is very safe in recommended doses for an infection. but because of its wide availability in many • It is generally safe to take paracetamol with different products, accidental overdoses can NSAIDs. Check with your doctor if you are occur if precautions are not taken. Severe taking NSAIDs regularly. damage to the liver and kidneys can occur when more than the recommended dose is taken. On some occasions, overdosing of paracetamol has Use with alcohol caused death. See Important things to remember • Paracetamol can be used safely with a on the first page of this information sheet. moderate intake of alcohol. However drinking more than 4 standard drinks on one occasion, What other precautions are even if infrequently, is strongly discouraged. necessary? Dose in liver disease Use in pregnancy and breastfeeding • Paracetamol is broken down in the liver. It is • Paracetamol can be taken safely during therefore important that you tell your nurse / pregnancy or when breastfeeding. doctor / pharmacist if you have any liver problems as the dose may need to be reduced. How to store paracetamol • Store paracetamol in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light. • Keep all medicines out of reach of children.
Questions? Your doctor’s contact details
If you have any questions or concerns write them down and discuss them with your doctor.
The information in this sheet has been obtained from various sources and has been reviewed by the Australian Rheumatology Association. It is intended as an educational aid and does not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions of the medicines mentioned. This information is not intended as medical advice for individual problems nor for making an individual assessment of the risks and benefits of taking a particular medicine. It can be reproduced in its entirety but cannot be altered without permission from the ARA. The NHMRC publication: How to present the evidence for consumers: preparation of consumer publications (2000) was used as a guide in developing this publication.
Australian Rheumatology Association
www.rheumatology.org.au paracetamol 3 Revised February 2016
