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Original poster

Took paracetamol too early?

35 replies

TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:03

I’m an idiot 🤦‍♀️

I’ve got some sort of cold/flu thing (sneezing, sore throat, dry coughing, cold sweats, regular sweating etc) and I’ve been taking paracetamol for temperature control.

I was feeling a bit cold so just took some paracetamol, but I forgot I only had my last ones at 15:15.

So I’ve had 2 x 500mg at 15:15 and 17:51.

Only 2 and a half hours instead of 4.

Will I be okay? I’m quite petite and so don’t weight much (about 6st 10) so I’m
worried that’ll make a difference.

But I have two toddlers and a newborn to look after and it’s bedtime so don’t want to be pissing about with hospitals if not necessary.

As a one off will it be okay?

OP posts:
FionnulaTheCooler · 15/07/2023 18:05

Have you had any more doses throughout the day? As a one off I wouldn't panic if you haven't exceeded the recommended dose that you can have over 24 hours.

Original poster
TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:06

Last one I had was at 09:26

OP posts:
Original poster
TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:06

Sorry so 09:26, 15:15 and 17:51

OP posts:

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General health
Clymene · 15/07/2023 18:07

I would t take any more. Tbh even 1g every 4 hours is quite a lot at your weight.

PinkPlantCase · 15/07/2023 18:07

Is there another adult in the house?

I’d generally be pretty chill about things like this but you’re basically the weight of a 12 year old.

RoseAndRose · 15/07/2023 18:08

You'll be fine

But you do have to be very careful with paracetamol, so try to find ways to make it harder to make the same mistake again.

And to be on the safe side, next dose at 23.15 (ie 8 hours after 15.15) (not 4 hours after the dose at 17.51)

Astromelia · 15/07/2023 18:09

Don’t take any more until tomorrow. I guess you could ring 111 for advice but tbh I don’t think it’s going to do you any harm as a one off.

CamCola · 15/07/2023 18:10

As a one off I can’t see it being a problem.

If I’m in a lot of pain I take 3 instead of 2 and nothing bad has every happened😂

Original poster
TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:11

Yeah I’ve never done it before and won’t take anymore today!

OP posts:
Original poster
TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:12

PinkPlantCase · 15/07/2023 18:07

Is there another adult in the house?

I’d generally be pretty chill about things like this but you’re basically the weight of a 12 year old.

Yeah there’s another adult in the house, DH.

OP posts:
cocksstrideintheevening · 15/07/2023 18:13

You'll be fine

RoseAndRose · 15/07/2023 18:14

The adult dose is 4x (2x 500mg tablets) per day maximum at minimum 4 hour spacing.

It's recommended by some authorities that you check with a doctor/pharmacist about maximum number of daily doses if you weigh under 50kg. But in practice anyone with a fully adult metabolism will be OK on the 4 (teens/very young adults might be a different matter)

Original poster
TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:20

RoseAndRose · 15/07/2023 18:14

The adult dose is 4x (2x 500mg tablets) per day maximum at minimum 4 hour spacing.

It's recommended by some authorities that you check with a doctor/pharmacist about maximum number of daily doses if you weigh under 50kg. But in practice anyone with a fully adult metabolism will be OK on the 4 (teens/very young adults might be a different matter)

I didn’t know this until recently when I had a C-section and they would only give me one paracetamol 😮

Thank you everyone. Hopefully I’ll be ok.

Is there anything I should look out for? Will it be obvious quickly if something is wrong?

OP posts:
Xrays · 15/07/2023 18:21

I’m pretty sure you’ll be fine. Tell your dh what you’ve done just incase you do need help or whatever so he can tell others if he needs to but as someone who takes a lot of painkillers regularly for lupus I don’t think the odd extra dose like that will affect you.

Original poster
TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:29

Thank you! I’ve already told him cos I’m panicking but he’s really lackadaisical about these things and thinks I’m being dramatic 😅

OP posts:
Newuser75 · 15/07/2023 18:47

I'm sure you will be fine but could you ring 111 to double check and put your mind at rest?

tazzy73 · 15/07/2023 18:50

Hi TookTooEarly,
I wouldn't take any more tonight. Don't panic, this is a one off.
Also due to your weight you should only be taking 1 tablet [500] when you take them.
Under 50kg its 500mg 4 times a day.
Taz.

Bearpawk · 15/07/2023 18:55

You'll be fine as a one off. Please don't panic.

Original poster
TookTooEarly · 15/07/2023 18:59

I’m worried if I ring 111 they’ll want me to come and see someone and with a newborn and toddlers it’s not exactly ideal.

But those sorts of google articles are what’s making me panic 😩

OP posts:
ShadyHook · 15/07/2023 19:05

Probably OK.
I once had a splitting headache and took two. The pain continued and I took two more within a couple of hours. I drove home.
30 minutes later I felt tired and parked up for an hour.
No apparent effect later on. That was 35 years ago.
Recommendation: ring 111 and seek proper advice

Bluelightbaby · 15/07/2023 19:08

You will be absolutely fine as a one off

Kissedbyfire1 · 15/07/2023 19:15

Can you alternate with ibuprofen? I’ve got severe tonsillitis atm and I’m cycling paracetamol, ibuprofen and antibiotics. I make a note on my phone each time I take a dose of something because I was losing track. I’m sure you’ll be fine, but don’t take any more perhaps till 24 hrs have passed.

Yarnorama · 15/07/2023 19:24

In case it helps I send myself a text to record when I take paracetamol because I always forget.

Augend23 · 15/07/2023 19:27

111 can get a clinician to do the calculations and then ask you to go in if you need it.

Not worth risking it with paracetamol. I'll have a dig through and see if I can find the calculations for it.