Key message
Paracetamol is safe at correct doses. Hepatotoxicity occurs mostly through unintentional cumulation (several products containing paracetamol) or exceeding the maximum dose.
Doses to remember
- Adult, self-medication (no medical advice): 1 g per intake, up to 3 g/day, spaced 6 hours apart.
- Adult, with medical advice: up to 4 g/day, short-term.
- Elderly, < 50 kg, chronic alcohol use, liver impairment: 60 mg/kg/day, capped at 3 g/day.
- Child: 60 mg/kg/day in 4 doses (15 mg/kg every 6 hours).
Common mistakes
- Stacking Doliprane® with a cold remedy that also contains paracetamol.
- Taking an extra dose “because the pain returned” before 6 hours.
- Combining alcohol with long-term paracetamol use.
When to seek emergency care
If intake > 8 g in 24 h, call emergency services or poison control immediately, even without symptoms: the antidote (N-acetylcysteine) works best when given early.
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