The recommended dose of paracetamol for adults and children 12 years and over is 500 to 1000 mg every four to six hours as necessary, with a maximum of 4000 mg in any 24 hour period. For children, 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 four to six 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.

However, if you take paracetamol when pregnant, make sure you take it 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 unlikely to harm your baby.

If you take paracetamol when breastfeeding, make sure you take it 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 four hours later. Doses of paracetamol should be at least four hours apart. Don't take more than eight tablets in 24 hours.

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 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.