Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Is It Safe To Take Paracetamol For Long?

Hi, I have had a cold and cough for around 3 weeks, I have been taking about 2 paracetemol (lemsip max) doses a day in the 2nd week of the cold I layed off the paracetemol for a bit, but I was still taking it, just irregularly I guess. Is it okay to be taking it for this long. I stick to the dosage guidelines and only really have 2 a day. Thank you.
Tue, 20 May 2014
Report Abuse
Dentist, Periodontics,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.

I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Paracetamol as such is not a drug of choice in cold since it is viral infection. Coming to your doubt paracetamol cannot be taken for longer duration as it results in liver damage due to bio-degradation in liver.

Cold and cough usually lasts for 14 to 21 days and there is nothing to bother about it. Have nice steam inhalation and warm saline gargling and avoid cold liquids. Finally, drugs used for cold are antihistamines.

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

Regards,
Dr. K S V Ramesh
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Is It Safe To Take Paracetamol For Long?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Paracetamol as such is not a drug of choice in cold since it is viral infection. Coming to your doubt paracetamol cannot be taken for longer duration as it results in liver damage due to bio-degradation in liver. Cold and cough usually lasts for 14 to 21 days and there is nothing to bother about it. Have nice steam inhalation and warm saline gargling and avoid cold liquids. Finally, drugs used for cold are antihistamines. Hope i have clarified your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. K S V Ramesh