Paracetamol dose

[DKmamma]

My boyfriend thinks it's ok to have 3 paracetamol tablets or a double dose of lemsip at any one time. He reckons it will be more effective and work faster than sticking to the recommended dose. I think this is dangerous. Can anyone provide any medical / pharmaceutical insight on this??? TIA xx

Even taking one or two more tablets than recommended can cause serious liver damage and possibly death. Paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure. Adults can usually take one or two 500mg tablets every 4-6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 4g (eight 500mg tablets) in the space of 24 hours.1 Feb 2017
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk › ...

It's an overdose and you don't mess around with paracetamol if you want a health liver. As a one off it would probably be fine but very very unwise regularly.

wiki

bbc

men's health

Dangerous.

Staggered overdoses (repeated doses above max level eg. 3 tablets not two taken several times over a 24hour period) are a common presentation.

He needs to stick to the instructions on the packet.

Anyone can be anyone on mumsnet but I am a doctor.

Potentially very dangerous - risk of serious liver damage.

People usually get away with a one-off mistake that leads to two doses too close together, assuming a long interval each side. That doesn't make it an OK thing to do, though, nor remove the risk.

If he needs more pain relief than safe dosage of paracetamol, he should speak to a pharmacist and alternate with aspirin or NSAIDs (see a doctor if he can't take either of thse). And ask about taking a different decongestant alongside the lemsip

Are two paracetamol every night OK? I find it helps me sleep well.

Thank you all for the advice. He wouldn't take it from me, but has read all your comments and says he'll stick to the stated dose from now on. Result! xx

Good work!!