Paracetamol: what it does and how to use it safely
Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) is one of the most used pain relievers and fever reducers worldwide. It works well for headaches, mild-to-moderate pain, and fevers. People like it because it’s usually gentle on the stomach and available in many forms: tablets, liquids, suppositories and combined cold medicines.
That said, paracetamol isn't risk-free. The biggest concern is the liver — too much at once or regular high doses can cause liver damage. The danger is easy to avoid when you know the right dose and what to watch for.
How to use paracetamol safely
For adults, a common dose is 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours when needed. Do not take more than 4,000 mg in 24 hours. For long-term or frequent use, many safety guides suggest keeping the maximum lower (about 3,000 mg/day) and talking with a doctor. Always follow the product label or your prescriber's advice.
For children, dosing is weight-based: usually 10–15 mg per kg per dose, every 4–6 hours, with no more than four doses in 24 hours (max about 60 mg/kg/day). Example: a 20 kg child would get roughly 200–300 mg per dose. Use the measuring syringe or cup that comes with kids’ liquid medicine — kitchen teaspoons aren’t accurate.
Be careful with combination products. Many cold and flu medicines contain paracetamol plus other active ingredients. Taking a separate paracetamol tablet on top of a combination medicine can accidentally push you over the safe limit.
Interactions, warnings, and when to get help
Avoid alcohol while taking paracetamol — alcohol raises liver risk. If you have liver disease, are malnourished, or take certain medications that affect the liver (for example some anti-seizure drugs or rifampicin), talk to a doctor before using paracetamol. Long-term high doses can also affect blood clotting if you take warfarin, so your doctor may want to monitor you.
Stop and seek urgent help if you take more than the recommended dose or if you feel unusually tired, nauseous, or jaundiced (yellowing of the skin or eyes) after taking paracetamol. Early medical treatment can prevent serious harm.
Want to buy paracetamol online? Choose well-known pharmacies, check for registration (MHRA in the UK, FDA guidance in the US), read product labels, and avoid sellers that won’t show contact details or clear return policies. Keep medication in its original packaging and store it out of reach of children.
If you’re unsure about dose, interactions, or whether paracetamol is the right choice for you or your child, ask a pharmacist or clinician. Small questions now can prevent big problems later.
