nurofen/paracetamol: need help with dosing please

[Elibean]

Somehow, damn it, I've managed to get a 'flu type bug' in August and GP told me to double dose with nurofen and paracetamol.
Temp does come down to below 38 with both, but if I just take one or t'other, no change or it keeps going up....so what do I do when I've taken paracetamol every 4 hours four times? Can I keep taking it every 4 hours, and nurofen every six, through the night if needs be?

I seem to remember, in the distant swine flu thread days, people did...but thought I'd better check.

Please? Any suggestions?

I've had another look online, and it does seem 4x per 24 hours is the maximum dose for paracetamol. So I guess there has to be a gap at night. Its been so long since I felt this awful, have forgotten how to 'do' flu

I really wouldn't exceed the maximum dose for paracetamol - a large bloke would probably get away with it, but for a woman of average size the room for manoeuvre between maximum dose and irreversable damage is quite small and the risk just isn't worth it - hope you feel better tomorrow.

Yes, you're right, of course. Don't know why I thought I'd seen something about people taking more

Don't worry too much about trying to keep your fever down, it's your body's way of fighting the infection. Drink tonnes of water and strip off and use a fan.

If you're so uncomfortable you'd like to try adding something else you could try adding aspirin. Unless you have a history of stomach ulcers.

Also, you don't need to pay extra for the brand 'Nurofen', simple supermarket Ibuprofen is the same active drug.

Thanks. dh is in charge of buying meds atm so brand or no brand, I'll take 'em!

I think I'm only worrying because a GP said to me yesterday 'come back if your temperature is in the 38-39 range' and, of course, now it is. I don't know why she said that though.

Stripping off it is (will confuse dh ).

Paracetamol every 4-6 hours and Ibuprofen MAX every 6-8hours.
Therefore, if you're taking the para every four hours you MUST leave a big gap at night of 8 hours. Only four doses in 24 hours.

Ibuprofen if you're taking it every 6 hours, this is the max frequency too so you'll have to leave a big nighttime gap of 6 hours. Only three doses in 24 hours.

It's best to space the doses out evenly (para every 6 hours, brufen every 8 hours) so you get a constant effect.

Don't forget to have a tiny bit to eat with the brufen too to protect your stomach lining.