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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Did I take too many paracetamol?

57 replies

saltnpepa · 20/04/2015 06:51

I never take painkillers so am a bit worried I've cocked up. I took one paracetamol at 1.00am, another one at 3am. I took one at 6.00am and another one at 7.00am. I know you're meant to take 2 but I hate any sort of drugs but now I'm wondering if I've taken too many? I'm a full grown adult (if you can believe it!).

OP posts:
BasinHaircut · 20/04/2015 06:52

General rule is 2 every 4 hours so you will be fine.

Bowlersarm · 20/04/2015 06:53

4 in a 6-hour period sounds fine to me.

NewLeaflet · 20/04/2015 06:54

That is too frequently as you are meant to leave a gap of 4 hours. You can take 2 at a time so your total is fine.

Original poster
saltnpepa · 20/04/2015 06:56

Oh bugger!!! Will I be ok?

OP posts:
Original poster
saltnpepa · 20/04/2015 06:59

But there's a 3 hour gap between 3 & 6, do you think it will be ok?

OP posts:
WingsofNylon · 20/04/2015 07:00

As pp said, 4 in 6 hours is fine. Worthkkeeping in mind that taking two at once with longer intervals is probably better for someone who isnt keen on drugs. The one pill more often approach means you still have the same amount of drugs overall but you probably won't be getting the full impact of the reduction in pain. In other words it can be false economy. Discuss with a pharmacist to hear what they say.

Hope you feel okay soon.

Justusemyname · 20/04/2015 07:01

Ring a medic for advice. Hope you're okay.

peacoat · 20/04/2015 07:01

You will be fine. Unless you are a 1 year old.

ItsADinosaur · 20/04/2015 07:03

As long as you don't take more than 8 tablets in a 24 hour period you'll be fine.

Why aren't you taking two tablets? You're only getting half the adult dose and it won't be effective. Take 2 every 4-6 hours but no more than 4 times a day.

Original poster
saltnpepa · 20/04/2015 07:03

I'm 50 Blush . Surely I don't need to phone a medic do I??

OP posts:
ItsADinosaur · 20/04/2015 07:04

No.

wallypops · 20/04/2015 07:04

No more than 4g in 24 hours. How strong are they?

ItsADinosaur · 20/04/2015 07:04

Just take medicines properly.

Moreisnnogedag · 20/04/2015 07:07

Don't call a medic. You'll be fine. Honestly.

Happyringo · 20/04/2015 07:08

4g in a 24hr period is the maximum. If the pills are the usual 500g then you're fine. But as other posters have said, why only take 1? It's a waste of time as that's not an effective dose for a standard size adult

Needthesunshine · 20/04/2015 07:11

You'll be fine but I agree with previous posters that 2 Tablets at a time would work better and no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. No need to phone a medic.

Petitgrain · 20/04/2015 07:11

Saying you "hate any sort of drugs" makes you sound a bit silly. As does taking them without reading the instructions to ensure you take them safely.

Original poster
saltnpepa · 20/04/2015 07:14

Normally one does the trick but this is a bastard of a headache.

OP posts:
Original poster
saltnpepa · 20/04/2015 07:14

So at 11.00 I should take 2?

OP posts:
ItsADinosaur · 20/04/2015 07:19

You can but then you'll only have one dose left until 1am as you'll have had 3 doses. Or wait til 1pm, then 7pm, as that's 6 hourly.

This is what happens when you don't take the stated doses, you end up not knowing what to take. 2 tablets 6 hourly.

ahbollocks · 20/04/2015 07:19

Stop being a dram queen Grin
Yes two at 11 then 3, 7 etc etc

ItsADinosaur · 20/04/2015 07:20

You should take two as that's a standard adult dose.

ItsADinosaur · 20/04/2015 07:21

No not at 11, 3 and 7 as the OP will have had too much. You can't have more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Justusemyname · 20/04/2015 07:22

I'm clearly more cautious than others. Paracetamol overdoes is not pleasant and since I am not a medic I wouldn't want to say you'll be okay when I have no idea.

I used to not be able to take tablets the a friend who's a pharmacist suggested having a drink first as it's harder with a dry mouth. I keep water in my mouth then slip the tablet through closed lips. Still have problems sometimes but mostly can do it.

Original poster
saltnpepa · 20/04/2015 07:22

Thank you dinosaur, I'll wait until 1.00pm. I haven't had much sleep so think I'm a bit all over the place. I always know what to give the kids but am never sick myself so a bit out of practice.

OP posts: