It's safe to take paracetamol regularly for many years, as long as you do not take more than the recommended dose.
You should talk to your doctor about using paracetamol for a long time. Long-term use of paracetamol can cause: tiredness. breathlessness.
Long-term paracetamol use could increase the risk of heart disease and strokes in people with high blood pressure, according to research we've funded and published today in Circulation.
Long-term use of paracetamol may also cause heart problems. The systematic review of eight observational studies showed that four found a heightened risk, ranging from 19 to 68 percent, of cardiovascular problems. Higher doses of paracetamol was also associated with heart attack and stroke, according to another study.
Paracetamol is a common painkiller that is normally safe. If you take more than the recommended amount (an overdose), it can harm the liver, and occasionally the kidneys. The medical team will assess you.
HEPATOTOXICITY RISK FACTORS
While acute liver injury can occur when used at or below the recommended daily maximum dose (4000 mg)[4], paracetamol toxicity is often the result of ingestion of paracetamol over this maximum dose.
Paracetamol does not produce tolerance or dependence, though some people may develop a psychological dependence on the drug.
Common side-effects associated with orally taken paracetamol include: Nausea. Vomiting. Constipation.
How often can it be given? Paracetamol can be given every four to six hours – no more than four times in 24 hours. If you need to give your child paracetamol for more than 48 hours, you should take them to see a doctor.
Adult dosing of paracetamol
The recommended paracetamol dosing for adults and children 12 years and over is 500 to 1000mg every four to six hours as necessary, with a maximum of 4000mg in any 24 hour period.
Do not take paracetamol continuously for more than five days, unless prescribed by your doctor. Avoid drinking alcohol. For those taking liquid form of paracetamol, always use a dose-measuring device.
Paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure. Scientists have known for decades that paracetamol in large amounts is toxic the liver, but until now its mechanism of poisoning has eluded them.
Ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can irritate the stomach lining, so it is best to take them with food, or a glass of milk. Paracetamol doesn't irritate the stomach lining so it won't matter if you haven't eaten.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are often prescribed for the pain associated with IBS, but they may exacerbate symptoms. Paracetamol does not upset IBS.
It keeps on working for about 5 hours. Are there any long-term side effects? It's safe to take paracetamol regularly for many years as long as you do not take more than the recommended dose.
Paracetamol overdose can result in liver damage which may be fatal. Intravenous acetylcysteine is the antidote to treat paracetamol overdose and is virtually 100% effective in preventing liver damage when given within 8 hours of the overdose.
Choosing the Right Pain Relief for You
Panadol products contain paracetamol; do not take them with other medicines that also contain paracetamol. Paracetamol is in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines.
Adults can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours, but shouldn't take more than 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) in the space of 24 hours. Children under 16 need to take a lower dose, depending on their age or weight – check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
Untreated paracetamol poisoning may cause varying degrees of liver injury over the 2 to 4 days following ingestion, including fulminant hepatic failure.
The symptoms of acute liver failure caused by a paracetamol overdose include: A yellow colour to your eyes or skin (jaundice) Low blood sugar. Sweating.
Yet paracetamol can cause serious or fatal adverse effects at around 150 mg/kg for many adults. There is considerable inter-patient variability which depends on age, health and substances taken with the paracetamol. The level is higher for young children.
It's an effective treatment for pain and fever and, at the recommended dose, is generally safe for healthy people. However, repeatedly taking more than the recommended dose or overdosing on paracetamol can cause serious injury to the liver and even death.
Early Signs of Liver Damage from Medication
Fever. Diarrhea. Dark urine. Jaundice, a condition that occurs when a substance called bilirubin builds up in the blood and causes the skin and whites of the eyes to appear yellow.