Paracetamol question

[CobaltRose96]

Hi all,

I'm currently 17 weeks pregnant and have a pretty nasty sinus infection which is causing me pain. I know you cannot take more than 8x500mg paracetamol tablets in a 24 hour period. So...

I took the first two tablets at 5am yesterday morning. I didn't take any more until 6pm (had work and forgot to take any with me!). I then took 2 more at midnight, just before I went to bed. I took two more at 8am this morning and finally 2 more at 12pm. So I've only had four today but eight since 6pm yesterday.

I understand it's very dangerous (and shockingly easy) to overdose on paracetamol, plus with being pregnant as well I really don't want to risk it.

Since it'll have been 24 hours by then, could I take two more at 6pm? I can already feel the headache building, but don't want to overdose! I cannot take codeine as I used to be addicted to it and really don't want to go down that route again, and as far as I'm aware you can't take Ibuprofen?

Thanks!

[ilooovechristmas]

Yes should be fine no to ibuprofen

[Lindorballs]

Yes you’re fine to have 2 more at 6pm. Every time you have a dose you need to consider what you’ve take in the previous 24 hours prior to that. 6pm today will start a new 24 hour cycle from that previous 6pm dose. If you wanted to take another 2 now that would be too soon because you’ve had 4 doses in the 24 hours prior.
You are correct that you shouldn’t take ibuprofen when pregnant.

[pigsDOfly]

If you're unsure about any medicines ring a local pharmacy and speak to the pharmacist, it's part of their job.

[kaytee87]

Keep a note on your phone every time you take some as when you're not well it's easy to forget.
I'd also suggest seeing your GP as you're pregnant so your immune system is low anyway.

[CobaltRose96]

Thanks everyone! I'll take 2 more at 6pm. I've already been to the doctor and he's pretty sure it's a viral infection that should clear up on it's own soon. Bloody awful though!

[kaytee87]

It is very painful op, I feel for you. A hot cloth across your face and hot drinks may help.

Remember not to take any cold or flu remedies.

[CobaltRose96]

Thank you @kaytee