Jonathan Sacerdoti: Queen's health is 'not unusual'
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The usual dose for adults is one or two 500mg tablets up to four times in 24 hours. Overdosing on paracetamol can cause serious side effects. Paracetamol can also cause side effects in some people who take it regularly
For people who find it difficult to swallow tablets or capsules, paracetamol is also available as a syrup or as soluble tablets that dissolve in water to make a drink.
The Alcohol and Drug Foundation says it is best to discuss the side effects of long term use with a medical practitioner, though regular use can cause a bluish tinge to fingers and lips.
The NHS also warns that overdosing on paracetamol can cause serious side effects.
“Do not be tempted to increase the dose or to take a double dose if your pain is very bad,” it says.
The NHS says: “Taking too much paracetamol can be dangerous and you may need treatment.”
If you need to go to your nearest A&E, the NHS says that you should take the paracetamol packet or leaflet inside it plus any remaining medicine with you.
It adds: “Do not take paracetamol alongside other medicines that contain paracetamol. If you take two different medicines that contain paracetamol, there’s a risk of overdose.”
Taking the drug to help relieve whatever mild ailment you are suffering from can be beneficial, however you should never exceed the recommended dose.
Drugs.com has listed several symptoms of overdose. These include diarrhea, increased sweating, loss of appetite, and nausea or vomiting.
Signs also include stomach cramps or pain, as well as swelling, pain, or tenderness in the upper abdomen or stomach area.
It says: “Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking acetaminophen.”
Nonetheless, you need to get help from 111 if you take more than two extra tablets of paracetamol or more than eight tablets of paracetamol in 24 hours.
According to the NHS, nausea and vomiting are “extremely common” symptoms of paracetamol overdose.
These symptoms may occur within a few hours of ingestion of a hepatotoxic dose, warns the health body.
Hepatotoxicity is the injury or liver damage caused by exposure to drugs. The symptoms of poisoning depend on the substance and the amount you take in.
Specific signs of paracetamol poisoning include yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, loss of coordination, and low blood sugar.
Drugs.com says: “In general, acetaminophen (the active ingredient contained in Paracetamol) is well-tolerated when administered in therapeutic doses.”
There are also some people who need to take extra care with paracetamol. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or any other medicines in the past or you have liver or kidney problems.
You should do the same if you take medicine for epilepsy, take medicine for tuberculosis or take the blood-thinner
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