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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Does Overdose Of Paracetamol Cause Any Problem?

Hi My mother in law who is 69 has just rung to say that she has taken 10 paracetamol over the last 19 hours. She had 2 @ 4am, 2 @ 9am, 2 @ 1pm, 2 @5 pm and 2 @ 10 pm. Do we need to seek medical attention? She has no symptoms at the moment and is taking the paracetamol for knee pain. Thanks.
Wed, 18 Dec 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

This site should not be used for urgent issues because of the delay in responding. Paracetamol in excess can cause liver damage. N-acetylcysteine can be used to help prevent this if given quickly. I cannot say whether the amount of paracetamol your mother took will cause damage as I don't know what the dosage of the pills she took is. The maximum amount of paracetamol per day should not exceed 4000 mg (4g), and less if any alcohol is drunk as that can add to the stress on the liver.If she has exceeded this, then yes, seek immediate medical attention.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician
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Does Overdose Of Paracetamol Cause Any Problem?

Hello, This site should not be used for urgent issues because of the delay in responding. Paracetamol in excess can cause liver damage. N-acetylcysteine can be used to help prevent this if given quickly. I cannot say whether the amount of paracetamol your mother took will cause damage as I don t know what the dosage of the pills she took is. The maximum amount of paracetamol per day should not exceed 4000 mg (4g), and less if any alcohol is drunk as that can add to the stress on the liver.If she has exceeded this, then yes, seek immediate medical attention. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh, General & Family Physician