Acetaminophen (also called paracetamol) is one of the most widely used pain relievers and fever reducers in the world. Used correctly it is safe, but in excessive amounts it can damage the liver.
What the daily limit is
Adults should not take more than 4,000 mg of acetaminophen a day, counting all sources. Taking the maximum dose for long periods can seriously damage the liver in some people, so it is best not to use it for more days than the label allows. Always follow the product label, which may state a lower limit.
Count every product
More than 600 medicines, prescription and nonprescription, contain acetaminophen, including many multi-symptom cold and flu products. Taking several at once can push you past the limit without realizing it. Check the active ingredients section of each label and add up the amounts. Products such as NEO-LUBRINA Fuerte or DOLODOL contain acetaminophen and count toward your daily total.
When the limit is lower
- If you drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day, you should not take acetaminophen without talking to your doctor first.
- If you have liver disease, the daily limit is usually much lower (it usually does not exceed 2,000 mg) and your doctor should set it.
- If you take other medicines that also contain acetaminophen.
Good practices
- Respect the interval between doses stated on the label.
- Keep the product in its original package and out of the reach of children.
- Never give a child an adult dose: children’s products are dosed by weight.
When to ask for help
If you need the medicine for more days than the label allows, if the pain or fever does not go away, or if you think you or someone else took too much, seek medical care right away. In the United States you can contact Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222.
