How Much Paracetamol Is Considered Safe For Your Body? Here's What To Do If You Overdose

Paracetamol consumption among Indians has become a social media topic, with a US-based doctor recently claiming that Indians take the painkiller "like candy" Since the COVID-19 pandemic, paracetamol, also known as Dolo-650, has become a household name—stocked in most medicine cabinets and considered the first line of defence against fever and body aches. Mostly, paracetamol is taken as a routine remedy, without prescriptions or consultations with doctors. Even though most people consider it harmless, doctors have repeatedly issued warnings that indiscriminate and frequent use of over-the-counter medication can have serious effects—especially on your liver.

Recently, Dr. Palaniappan Manickam, a US-based gastroenterologist and health educator, took to X saying that “Indians take Dolo 650 like it’s Cadbury Gems.” His post brought in thousands of reactions from across the country—with many penning down their own Dolo usage.



While many users agreed with the doctor, others did take note of the medicine's ill effects. What is paracetamol? Related News | Are You Even An Indian If You Don’t Take ‘Dolo 650 Like It’s Cadbury Gems’? Hilarious Trend Goes ViralFlu-related Deaths In North Carolina At An All-time High; Here's How To Manage the SymptomsParacetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug used to temporarily relieve mild-to-moderate pain and fever and is commonly included as an ingredient in cold and flu medications. It is exactly the same drug as Tylenol—widely used in the United States.

According to experts, the drug—first made in 1878—works by blocking chemical messengers in your brain that would let you know when you are in pain and by affecting the chemical messengers that regulate body temperature. It inhibits the production of prostaglandins, made by your body to deal with illness and injury. What conditions can you use paracetamol for? Related News | Amy Schumer Says Mounjaro Improved Her Sex Drive and Perimenopause SymptomsThe widely available medicine is used for the relief of: Headaches Tension headaches Migraine Backache Rheumatic and muscle pain Arthritis pain and inflammation Toothache Period pain Colds and flu symptoms Sore throat Sinus pain Post-surgery aches FeverHow much paracetamol dosage is considered safe? According to experts, even though it is considered safe when used correctly, paracetamol should be taken with the utmost caution.

It is not an anti-inflammatory drug. It is commonly available in 500 mg and 650 mg tablets and 1000 mg injectable forms. According to medical guidelines, the maximum permissible dose for adults is 4 grams (or 4000 mg) per day.

This means if you have been prescribed 500 mg tablets, you can safely take up to eight tablets in a 24-hour period, with a minimum four-hour interval between doses. Kids between 10 and 15 years of age should be given paracetamol tablets up to four times a day. For younger kids, doctors recommend taking paracetamol in a suspension form, with the following precautions: Always use the oral syringe or measuring spoon that comes with your suspension to make sure you are giving the correct dose.

Recommended dosage always depends on the child's age and weight, and you need to take care of that as a parent. Shake the bottle for ten seconds before removing the cap. Make sure to insert the syringe and draw up the recommended dose only.

Place the syringe inside the child's mouth against the inside of their cheek and press the plunger slowly to release the medicine. Replace the cap on the paracetamol bottle and wash and dry the syringe. Do not use the open bottle after a week.

Doctors also do not advise patients to consume paracetamol alongside other medications that contain the same compound to avoid accidental overdose. What to do if you overdose on paracetamol? If you or your child takes too much paracetamol, get immediate medical help even if you seem to be alright. Doctors say paracetamol causes delayed and serious liver damage.

While there may be no symptoms of overdose during the first 24 hours you may experience paleness, nausea, sweating, vomiting, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain..