Paracetamol Safety for Adults

Paracetamol is used to;

Help with aches and pains.

Help with bringing down high temperatures.

Paracetamol is available as tablets or capsules.

Paracetamol is also available as a syrup or soluble tablet that dissolves in water, to drink. These are for some people who find it difficult to swallow tablets.

There are other medicines that contain paracetamol too. If you are not sure, ask your local chemist (pharmacist) to check.

Always check the box or leaflet for the dose, or if a medicine contains paracetamol. You can ask someone to help you.

Brand names for paracetamol include Disprol, Hedex, Anadin and Panadol (from left to right). These are still paracetamol but with a different name.

How much can I take?

The usual dose for adults is:
1 or 2, 500mg tablets
Up to 4 times a day (24 hours)
You should not have more than 8 tablets, or a total of 4g of paracetamol in a day (24 hours).

How often can I take it?

Always wait at least 4 hours between taking paracetamol.

What should I do if I take too much? (overdose)

Call 111 now if you take:

More than 2 extra tablets of paracetamol.

More than 8 tablets of paracetamol within 24 hours.

What are the symptoms of an overdose?

You might have a tummy pain, nausea, or sickness.

Your skin or the whites of your eyes may go yellow in colour (jaundice).

You might have a bad headache, get confused or drowsy.

You might not have had a wee for 8 hours or more.

It is important to get help right away if you think you have taken too much paracetamol. Even if you feel well, you will need help.

Taking too much paracetamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment.

What could happen to my body if I take too many?

Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious damage to your liver and kidneys.

You may become more likely to have liver disease.

Liver disease can lead to bruising easily, bleeding and swelling of your tummy.

The damage can be bad enough to need a liver transplant.

If you are unable to get a transplant in time, you could die.

What might happen next?

You will be asked how much paracetamol you have taken, when and why.

You may need some extra tests.

You might have to stay in hospital or you may be okay to go straight home.

NHS staff will be happy you phoned and asked for help as soon as possible. They would not want you to wait.

What will happen if I need to go to hospital?

You might need some blood tests.

They might give you a medicine to stop the damage to your liver. This is called Parvolex.

It is better to be safe than sorry.

If you are worried you have taken too much paracetamol, please ask for help.

Further Information

The information from this leaflet has been adapted, with kind permission, from the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust ‘Paracetamol Overdose Advice for Adults’ leaflet February 2019.

For further information please check; https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-adults/

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]