Some overdoses are taken intentionally as an act of self-harm but many are accidental.

You should not take more than this recommended dose. At least four to six hours should be left between doses. Each tablet of paracetamol contains 500 milligrams so this equates to two tablets four times a day with a maximum daily dose of 4 grams or eight tablets.

The recommended adult dose of paracetamol is 1 gram, four times a day. There is an antidote for paracetamol poisoning and it is most effective within eight hours of the overdose, so getting help early is essential. Just a few paracetamol tablets over the recommended dose can potentially cause fatal liver damage, and there may be no symptoms until it is too late for treatment to help. Over the last ten years, there have been approximately 200 deaths each year from paracetamol poisoning in England and Wales. Too high a dose however can result in liver damage, liver failure and death. When taken in a normal dose, paracetamol is a safe and effective drug used to relieve pain and reduce fevers. Almost 100,000 people attend Accident and Emergency departments each year after having taken a paracetamol overdose, and around half of these are admitted for treatment. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus.Paracetamol is the most common drug taken in overdose in the UK. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited without authorization. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.

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Antidote to paracetamol overdose