Paracetamol: how much is safe

[cocolacocotte]

Hi everyone,

I'm 13 + 4 and have caught a terrible head cold. I saw my GP on Monday and he said that as long as I don't have a fever I can take paracetamol to relieve the symptoms of the cold but I'm not sure how much is safe to take.

The recommendations on the pack say a max of 4g/day for up to 4 days and that the tablets are safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding but they don't say if the dose should be adjusted in these cases.

To be on the safe side, I'm forcing myself to only take them when I feel really crappy (can't take time off work due to a project deadline so I'm just trying to make it to the end of the day when I can get home and fall into bed) but I can't help thinking that taking the advised dose would make me feel much better and help me get over this more quickly.

What do you think? Am I being over cautious by limiting my dosage?

No, not at all. I'm in agony with rib pain and I've not taken them at all. I'm always being told I'm being over cations but this is whywww.theguardian.com/society/2014/feb/26/adhd-linked-paracetamol-during-pregnancy-study

I have taken Pracetamol and would do so again if I needed it. I think the risk factors have been over stated in the Guardian and even conceded more work was necessary before any real conclusion could be drawn.
The paper only talks about risk whether mothers took paracetamol or not, and didn't make any distinction between using a lower dose, so I would say if you need it, take it (and it sounds like you do, I had an aweful cold in my first trimester that I had to work through too, so I totally feel your pain), and take the full dose you are allowed (but don't exceed it). it's just about the only thing we are allowed to take and it's got to be better for you and your baby than suffering with cold symptoms. We have enough to feel guilty about.
I hope you feel better soon x

If you want to know the evidence based researched clinical risks look in the BNF , British National Formulary , you can look online or in a book .

You can safely take the maximum dose of paracetamol.

My fil who's a gp has always tole me to not worry about taking it in the doses as stated on the box. He's also said never to worry about giving it to the kids as per their dose instructions. I trust him.

My GP told me to take the maximum dose and continue taking it as long as needed. She said it was not harmful at all.

I've taken it a few times for toothache and a headache on my midwifes advice, the odd few days here and there won't hurt.

I had 2 bouts of high fever during my first trimester. It was a viral. GP told me to take max dose paracetamol - as the risks of fever were much higher. Also he said I must take it for 3 days - fever or not - as the fever could return if I stop too soon.

Normally I refrain from taking medicines even when not pregnant - so this was a bit much for me - but I took it & felt so much better. I was already feeling terrible due to the first trimester sickness.

Now that DD has arrived I can report no side effects at all. Compared to all the extreme medication & pain relief used during delivery I do think paracetamol is mild. And taken in the right dosage (for your weight) it can make you better sooner.

Good luck!

Do avoid Lemsip though as its not good in pregnancy.

If needed you can get a boots brand lemon drink which is safe in pregnancy.

I've got two boys and another on the way. In each pregnancy I have suffered from frequent migraines meaning roughly every month I've had 2-3 days of taking paracetamol four times a day. I frankly couldn't cope with the pain otherwise. Neither of my boys have had any adverse effects and I am not in the least concerned about it this time either. Think of all the women who have had no choice but to take it regularly for spd pain. You will be fine. My dp is a doctor and has never had any concerns about me taking it when needed. Please don't listen to scare mongering, trust the professionals and do what you need to do to look after yourself and feel better.

Paracetamol is one of the best ones and only ones to take when pregnant. You don't have to adjust the dose :) obviously, once you don't need it, stop taking it. Lol x

Thanks for the reassurance everyone.

I'm starting to feel a lot better so hopefully plenty of rest this weekend and more confidence in the paracetamol and I'll be back on my feet in no time.