Paracetamol how long can you take it

Get in touch with your GP and they should be able to figure out a long-term solution to the problem. 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. Other medications and prescription medicines usually work with paracetamol, including antibiotics. However, there are some exceptions and people with certain conditions should speak to their doctor if they currently take blood-thinner warfarin, as paracetamol can increase the risk of bleeding, if taken regularly.

Pharmacist explains how paracetamol and ibuprofen work. How to clean a shower cubicle - 7 cleaning tips to remember. Paracetamol is used to treat aches and pain and can also be used to reduce a high temperature.

Are more expensive painkillers worth the money? View Are more expensive painkillers worth the money? Are there natural alternatives to HRT? View Are there natural alternatives to HRT? How can I stay safe when buying medicines online? View How can I stay safe when buying medicines online?

A new treatment for psoriasis View A new treatment for psoriasis. Issues covered in series 3. Could beer actually make your barbeque healthier? View Could beer actually make your barbeque healthier? The big brain-maintenance experiment View The big brain-maintenance experiment. Could aromatherapy actually affect my memory?

View Could aromatherapy actually affect my memory? How can I avoid getting dementia? View How can I avoid getting dementia? Can a simple injection of stem cells repair damaged backs? View Can a simple injection of stem cells repair damaged backs?

How do I recognise a Deep Vein Thrombosis? How do I cure cramp? View How do I cure cramp? Can being overweight ever be good for you? View Can being overweight ever be good for you?

In , a similar study by Professor Michael Doherty observed almost patients aged 40 and older who took paracetamol, ibuprofen or a combination of both for chronic knee pain. After 13 weeks, one in five on paracetamol suffered from internal bleeding. Long-term use of paracetamol may also cause heart problems.

The systematic review of eight observational studies showed that four found a heightened risk, ranging from 19 to 68 percent , of cardiovascular problems. Higher doses of paracetamol was also associated with heart attack and stroke , according to another study. The systematic review also linked long-term use of paracetamol with an increased risk of impaired kidney function.

Four studies revealed kidney effects while three found that increased dose result to poorer kidney function. The analysis of all eight cohort studies said that in all cases, the risk was dose-dependent - the higher the dose, the greater the risk.

Avoid Self Medicating When used correctly and within the right dosage, paracetamol is a safe, non-prescription pain reliever. But it should be viewed as a serious drug and not like a piece of candy that you can pop daily. Make sure you take paracetamol as directed on the label or leaflet, or as instructed by a health professional. How much you can take depends on your age, your weight, the type of paracetamol you're taking and how strong it is.

For example:. Paracetamol should start to work within an hour and the effect usually lasts several hours. Don't take more than the recommended dose if it isn't relieving your symptoms. Adults can take ibuprofen at the same time if necessary, but this isn't usually recommended for children. Contact your GP or phone NHS 24 service if your symptoms get worse or last more than 3 days despite taking paracetamol. Be careful not to use other medications that contain paracetamol as an ingredient such as some cold and flu remedies while you're taking paracetamol.

Paracetamol can react unpredictably with certain other medications. This can affect how well either medicine works and might increase the risk of side effects.

Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it can be taken with paracetamol. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure.