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Tooth Abscess Treatment Scheduled. Taken Over Dose Of Paracetamol. Am I Risking? What Can I Do?
Question: I have a tooth abscess (treatment scheduled for tomorrow) and I've just realised I may have taken too much paracetamol in the past 24 hours. Last year I consulted a migraine specialist who told me that I could treat headaches with a dose of 1500mg not 1000mg (the usual recommended dose). So yesterday afternoon when my tooth pain became agonising I took doses of paracetamol every 4-7 hours, but each time I took 1500mg. I calculate that instead of the recommended XXXXXXX of 4mg per 24 hours I may have taken 6 or even 7mg. I haven't taken any now for 9 hours. I am a 65 year old woman weighing around 11stone/71 kgs. I have no symptoms (pallor, sweating, nausea etc). Please can you asses my risk? It's the middle of the night here in the UK and I don't want to over-react.
Hello and thanks for the query
This dose of 6 to 7 grams a day is capable of producing liver toxicity as in few individuals toxicity may result from even a normal use of paracetamol and also people who use alcohol or are malnourished,this dose can result in hepatic toxicity.
So it is very difficult to exactly quantify your risk as the toxic dose of paracetamol is highly variable and varies from individual to individual.
Normally no symptoms appear in first 24 hrs,although few may complain of nausea.
The problems starts from 24 to 72hrs and it may be jaundice,confusion or loss of consciousness.
The liver enzymes like ALT and AST become highly raised to the tune of more than 1000.
You must report to the hospital and get your blood levels of paracetamol and liver enzymes done as early as possible and get the treatment if there is any paracetamol toxicity.
I hope to have answered your query however you can revert to me for any further query.
Thanks and best of luck.
This dose of 6 to 7 grams a day is capable of producing liver toxicity as in few individuals toxicity may result from even a normal use of paracetamol and also people who use alcohol or are malnourished,this dose can result in hepatic toxicity.
So it is very difficult to exactly quantify your risk as the toxic dose of paracetamol is highly variable and varies from individual to individual.
Normally no symptoms appear in first 24 hrs,although few may complain of nausea.
The problems starts from 24 to 72hrs and it may be jaundice,confusion or loss of consciousness.
The liver enzymes like ALT and AST become highly raised to the tune of more than 1000.
You must report to the hospital and get your blood levels of paracetamol and liver enzymes done as early as possible and get the treatment if there is any paracetamol toxicity.
I hope to have answered your query however you can revert to me for any further query.
Thanks and best of luck.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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