Paracetamol
When can I take paracetamol?
You can take paracetamol for:
- mild to moderate pain, for example backache, headache, migraine, muscle strains, period pain, toothache and aches and pains due to colds and flu
- fever (high temperature)
- in combination with other pain killers for stronger pain
Looking for a medicine?
Visit healthdirect’s list of medicines that contain paracetamol to find out more about a specific medicine.
The recommended dose of paracetamol for adults and children 12 years and over is no more than 1g every 4-6 hours to a total of 4g daily. The maximum dose for children is dependent on their body weight. The labels on liquid paracetamol contain clear instructions. It's dangerous to take more than the recommended dose as you may damage your liver, which may be irreversible and fatal.
Paracetamol is sold under a variety of brand names, which can be confusing and lead to someone taking more paracetamol than the safe recommended level. Check the pack before taking any medication.
Can paracetamol be given to children?
Paracetamol may be recommended for children if there is pain or fever after a vaccination. You don’t need to give it to your child before a vaccination to reduce the risk of fever.
If your child has a high temperature and this is making them uncomfortable, paracetamol can be given to help ease any discomfort. Seek medical advice if the fever does not get better.
A doctor may advise regular paracetamol for infants younger than one month old, but don't give regular paracetamol to an infant as young as this unless advised to do so by a doctor.
How does paracetamol work?
Paracetamol has been in general use for more than 50 years, but the way it works to reduce pain and fever is not fully understood. Paracetamol begins to ease pain and lower a high temperature about 30 minutes after a dose is taken. Its effects usually last for about 4 to 6 hours.
When should I not take paracetamol?
Don't take paracetamol if you:
- have an allergy to paracetamol
- are taking other paracetamol containing medicines
- have already taken the recommended dose within a 24-hour period
Check with your doctor or a pharmacist before taking paracetamol if you have:
- liver problems
- kidney problems
- problems with alcohol
- you are very underweight
Can I take paracetamol with my other medicines?
Don't take paracetamol if you are also taking other medicines that contain paracetamol, such as paracetamol/ibuprofen combinations, migraine preparations and some cough and cold remedies, because of the risk of overdosing on paracetamol. This may damage your liver and can be fatal.
Paracetamol won’t interact with many other medicines if only taken for a few days for pain or fever. It’s also safe to take paracetamol if you are on antibiotics.
However, to check paracetamol is safe to take with your other medicines, it’s important to ask your doctor or a pharmacist, or read the information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
Warfarin
Paracetamol is the recommended painkiller for people taking warfarin.
Long-term use of paracetamol may increase the effect of warfarin, which can increase the risk of bleeding. However, this is unlikely to happen with the occasional use of paracetamol.
Can I take paracetamol if I’m pregnant?
Paracetamol is considered the first choice of painkiller if you are pregnant since it has been taken by large numbers of pregnant women without any adverse effect on the mother or baby.
As with any medicine taken during pregnancy, pregnant women should seek medical advice before taking paracetamol. If you take paracetamol when pregnant, make sure you take it at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time.
Can I take paracetamol if I’m breastfeeding?
Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you are breastfeeding.
It appears in breast milk in very small amounts which are very unlikely to harm your baby.
If you take paracetamol when breastfeeding, make sure you take it at the recommended dose and for the shortest possible time.
What are the possible side effects of paracetamol?
People react differently to medicines. Just because a side effect is listed doesn't mean you will experience the side effect.
Side effects from paracetamol are rare but include:
- allergic reaction, including a rash or swelling
- rash
- blood disorders
- liver and kidney damage (when taken at higher than recommended doses).
Will paracetamol affect my driving?
Paracetamol is unlikely to affect your driving.
Is it okay to drink alcohol when I’m taking paracetamol?
Drinking a small amount of alcohol is unlikely to be harmful if you are taking paracetamol.
Are there any foods I should avoid?
There are no known interactions with food.
What if I forget to take a dose?
If you forget to take your dose of paracetamol, the general advice is:
Take the dose as soon as you remember, and then the next dose at least 4 hours later. Doses of paracetamol should be at least four hours apart. Don't take more than the recommended dose over a 24 hour period.
Check the information leaflet that comes with your medicine. It should give you advice about what to do.
What if I accidentally take an extra dose?
Call triple zero (000) immediately and ask for an ambulance if you or someone you know has taken more than the recommended dose of paracetamol and have symptoms of overdose.
If calling triple zero (000) does not work on your mobile phone, try 112.
If you or someone you know have taken more than the recommended dose of paracetamol, even if there are no symptoms, seek advice immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26, healthdirect on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) or contact your local doctor.
Symptoms of paracetamol overdose include:
- abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting
- liver problems
- seizures
- coma and death
More information
Asking about your treatment or medication is important to help you understand your options. Read our guide of important questions to ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking a medicine.
You can also visit healthdirect's list of medicines that contain paracetamol to read the Consumer Medicines Information for the brand of paracetamol prescribed.
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: August 2020
Need more information?
These trusted information partners have more on this topic.
Top results
Paracetamol for children - MyDr.com.au
The correct dose of paracetamol for a child depends on their weight. Find out about using paracetamol in kids.
Read more on myDr website

Paracetamol - Pathology Tests Explained
Paracetamol: why and when to get tested
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Paracetamol - Alcohol and Drug Foundation
Paracetamol is a pharmaceutical drug, which is use to treat a number of conditions.
Read more on Alcohol and Drug Foundation website

Safe and appropriate use of paracetamol: closing the consumer knowledge gap - NPS MedicineWise
Paracetamol is commonly used, but misuse and overdoses do occur. Patient education on the safe use of paracetamol is crucial in preventing accidental overdose.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Rates of paracetamol overdose continue to rise in Australia - NPS MedicineWise
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter analgesics in Australia and overdose rates continue to rise. Public misunderstanding about the safety of paracetamol and easy access to large quantities of paracetamol may be contributing to this rise.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Paracetamol/ibuprofen combinations for acute pain - NPS MedicineWise
Paracetamol/ibuprofen combinations may be an alternative to codeine-based analgesics for short-term management of pain. Find out more
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Recommended paracetamol doses | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
Recommended paracetamol doses Published 15 August 2019 Listen Print Share LinkedIn Twitter Facebook Email Loading
Read more on TGA – Therapeutic Goods Administration website

Combined ibuprofen/paracetamol medicines - NPS MedicineWise
The combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen has been assessed in a variety of acute pain states but has been best studied in people after dental surgery
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Is paracetamol effective for low back pain? - NPS MedicineWise
An Australian study found that paracetamol is not effective for acute low back pain. What is the best way to manage acute low back pain?
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Treating my child’s pain or fever - paracetamol or ibuprofen? - NPS MedicineWise
Ibuprofen & paracetamol are two of the most commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat pain & fever in children. Find out which one to give & when.
Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Top results
Paracetamol - Pathology Tests Explained
Paracetamol: why and when to get tested
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Intravenous paracetamol (acetaminophen) for pain after surgery in adults and children | Cochrane
Authors' conclusions: Since the last version of this review, we have found 39 new studies providing additional information
Read more on Cochrane (Australasian Centre) website

Emergency and Overdose Drug Testing - Pathology Tests Explained
drug screening, toxicology, abuse
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Salicylate - Pathology Tests Explained
Salicylate: why and when to get tested
Read more on Pathology Tests Explained website

Opioid withdrawal management | SA Health
Opioid withdrawal management - appropriate processes for the management of opioid withdrawal.
Read more on SA Health website

Image Guided Lumbar Epidural Corticosteroid Injection - InsideRadiology
What is an image guided lumbar epidural corticosteroid injection?
Read more on InsideRadiology website

Barmah Forest Virus Infection | Ausmed
Barmah Forest virus infection is one of the most common mosquito-borne infections in Australia (along with the Ross River virus infection). On average, between 1500 and 2000 fresh cases are notified each year. Outbreaks are related to higher temperatures, high rainfall and flooding.
Read more on Ausmed Education website

What Causes Shingles (Herpes Zoster)? | Ausmed
Shingles (also known as herpes zoster) is a viral infection caused by a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) that causes chickenpox (varicella). It presents as a painful, blistering rash. After someone has had chickenpox, the virus will stay dormant in the dorsal root ganglia.
Read more on Ausmed Education website

Acute Management of Poisoning | Ausmed
Poisoning occurs when an individual ingests, inhales, injects or absorbs (through the skin) a substance that is harmful to human health. Poisoning may cause illness, injury or even death. More than 160 000 people (or 1 in every 145) are poisoned every year in Australia.
Read more on Ausmed Education website

Reducing Cellulitis Hospitalisation Rates | Ausmed
Cellulitis is an infection of the subcutaneous tissue and skin, leading to inflammation and other systemic symptoms. It occurs when bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus enter the body and spread to the subcutaneous tissue, generally through a break in the skin caused by inflammation or damage.
Read more on Ausmed Education website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline
24 hour health advice you can count on
Government Accredited with over 140 information partners
We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice
Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.