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General health

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Original poster

Paracetamol dosage

12 replies

Occasional2023 · 28/12/2023 21:30

I have got lower left side back pain after carrying something too heavy over half a mile home yesterday. Last night I found it hard to get comfortable in bed but didn't get up for pain killers. I recently found out that because I am only 4 ft 9 tall and weigh just over 7 stones that I am not supposed to take 2 paracetamol because the dosage should be calculated on weight. If I take two paracetamol as a one off am I really going to die myself damage? I would never exceed the 8 tablets in 24 hour rule.

OP posts:

Bluelightbaby · 28/12/2023 21:39

HCP : you can take 2 tablets at a time

Tulipvase · 28/12/2023 21:39

Guidance I just found, suggests over 50kg you can have 500mg to 1g 4 x a day. Max of 4g a day.

Tulipvase · 28/12/2023 21:44

Would ibuprofen not be better?

Original poster

Occasional2023 · 28/12/2023 21:49

I haven't got any ibuprofen in flat and couldn't walk to shop today. I don't drive now due to sight issues. I hate taking pain killers so will take paracetamol tonight if I really need to and hopefully feel a bit better tomorrow. I've moved about the flat today and it's certainly better than this time yesterday. Thank you all for advice.

OP posts:

Tulipvase · 28/12/2023 21:52

I think movement is a good idea as long as it’s not too painful, don’t want to seize up. Hope you feel better soon.

Original poster

Occasional2023 · 28/12/2023 22:01

I have always settled to sleep on my left side, ever since childhood. Last night I just could not get comfortable. I've definitely loosened up as the day has gone by. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow. Luckily I'm off until Tuesday so can rest without missing work.

OP posts:

AltitudeCheck · 28/12/2023 22:03

Many sources advise a lower dose in adults <50kg

For adults <50kg our Trust use max 15mg/ kg four times a day. No more than 60mg / kg in 24 hours.

A one off dose of two tablets isn't likely to be an issue but you shouldn't regularly have more than 5-6 tablets in 24 hours without checking with your GP. There are other factors that can increase the risk of liver toxicity with paracetamol, low weight (relative to the dose) is just one of them.

Tilllly · 28/12/2023 22:07

If you can get it, I'd add in some ibuprofen gel

Original poster

Occasional2023 · 28/12/2023 22:08

I don't normally take iboprufen. Do I need to reduce the dose of that in the same way as paracetemol? As it stands I may not take anything but it would be sensible to know. I am now eating a bit more sensibly than a bit back when I was very stressed by bereavement, and must be getting closer to the 50kg mark

OP posts:

Tilllly · 28/12/2023 22:22

The ibuprofen gel is something you rub on the affected area
A tiny amnt goes a long way and it only absorbs into the immediate affected area, so you'd struggle to overdose

Original poster

Occasional2023 · 28/12/2023 22:24

I'm off to bed now. Thank you all for your advice. I feel reassured.

OP posts:

Boriswentcamping · 28/12/2023 22:29

You can check with a pharmacist and they will give you a dose according to your body weight. I have been advised by doctors and pharmacists not to take 2 and I am a similar weight to you.

I think as a one off it would likely be ok. I wouldn't regularly take the higher dose without checking first.

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