What do you think a paracetamol dose is

[2021hwg]

So. Neither dh or I take many painkillers.

Tonight I had a bad headache so grabbed the box and took two! Dh was appalled and Said. What are you doing. It's one tablet not two.

We can't agree. I think on your normal box of paracetamol the dose is two.

Up to 2 x 500mg tablets up to 4 times in 24 hours.

You are both right. If one tablet deals with the pain, have one... if you need 2 have 2. People's painkiller needs vary. I tend to need 2 at a time from experience. Eldest Dd(20) only needs one. Youngest Dd(18) tends to need 2.

Two, unless it's toothache in which case, the sky's the limit! (tongue in cheek obvs.)

Two.
I used to think it was “better” to just take one, but that’s wrong. It’s best to try to get on top of any pain quickly before neural pathways in your brain start “expecting” pain, which then is harder to manage.

The dose is 1-2 tablets. If he only takes one that’s fine however he shouldn’t horrified that you take two, it’s not like you’re downing the entire pack.

@2021hwg

The box is just boots paracetamol and says take 1-2 tablets. He reads that's as one and two in extreme circumstances. I just think standard dose is two

Your DH is right.

Take less if it works and as long as you can manage to keep track of your dosage over time.

If you get confused by fractions (or act confused) your HP would probably advise you to just take the full dose at the standard intervals to avoid you overdosing.

@steppemum

2. My understanding (which may be wrong) is that you need to take the right amount for your body weight or it doesn't work. So taking one won't actually be effective at all. It isn't like taking a bit more if you are in more pain.

On one of the ambulance documentaries this week they had someone and the paramedics told him off for only taking one, told him the dose was 2.

Having said that dh will only take 1.

That's different.

The problem is tracking dosage over time.

It's preferred to give full doses not half doses so that it's easier to track when the patient is handed over to other medical staff. And to prevent confusion and overdose.