Paracetamol: A Safe Remedy with a Downside

Sophie, a 34-year-old mother of two, had been suffering from headaches for days due to stress at work.
Knowing that paracetamol was a safe and effective remedy, she took a few tablets a day without much thought.
The pain subsided but didn’t completely disappear. When the headache persisted, she gradually increased her dosage
until one day she felt nauseous and experienced a pressing sensation in her upper abdomen.

Worried, she went to her doctor, who referred her to the hospital.
There, she discovered that she had unknowingly overburdened her liver.
An overdose of paracetamol can lead to severe liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol or taken in high doses for prolonged periods.
Fortunately, Sophie received timely treatment with an antidote (acetylcysteine), and her liver was able to recover.

Since then, she has been more cautious with painkillers and carefully follows the maximum dosage: no more than 4 grams per day and no longer than a few consecutive days without consulting a doctor.
She now always tells her friends: "Paracetamol is safe, but not without limits."

Maximum Daily Dosage of Paracetamol

For adults, the maximum daily dose is **4 grams (4000 mg)**, divided into multiple doses. This means:

Standard Dosage:
- 500 - 1000 mg per dose
- Maximum of 4 times per day
- At least 4 to 6 hours between doses

For children:
The dosage depends on their weight and age and should be carefully followed according to the package leaflet or a doctor's advice.

Important Warnings:

- Do not use for more than a few days without consulting a doctor.
- Overdosing can cause **severe liver damage**, with an increased risk for people who consume alcohol or have liver conditions.
- In case of **chronic use or doubt**, always consult a doctor.

If you use paracetamol **for an extended period or in combination with other medications**, it is wise to be extra cautious.