Paracetamol Dosage: What You Need to Know
Paracetamol (also called acetaminophen) is one of the most common painkillers worldwide. It works fast, feels safe, and is easy to find. But the safety part only holds if you take the right amount. Below you’ll find the practical numbers you need, plus tips for special situations.
Adult dosing basics
For most grown‑ups the standard dose is 500 mg to 1000 mg every 4–6 hours. You can’t exceed 4 g (4000 mg) in a 24‑hour period. That means a typical 1‑gram tablet can be taken twice a day, or a 500 mg tablet up to four times.
If you have liver disease, drink a lot of alcohol, or take other medicines that also contain paracetamol (like some cold remedies), cut the dose in half. In those cases aim for no more than 2 g per day and talk to a pharmacist or doctor.
People over 65 usually tolerate the usual dose, but it’s smart to stay on the low‑end of the range—500 mg every 6 hours—especially if kidneys aren’t in top shape.
Children’s dosing and safety
Kids are a different story because their weight matters more than their age. The rule of thumb is 10–15 mg per kilogram of body weight per dose, and you can repeat it every 4–6 hours.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- 6‑kg child (about 1 year old): 60–90 mg per dose.
- 12‑kg child (around 3 years): 120–180 mg per dose.
- 20‑kg child (about 6 years): 200–300 mg per dose.
Never give a child more than 75 mg/kg in a 24‑hour period. That caps a 15‑kg child at about 1.125 g per day.
Always use the measuring device that comes with the liquid formulation. A kitchen spoon can be off by a lot, and an extra few milliliters can push you over the limit.
If the child is under 2 years old, it’s best to get a prescription from a doctor rather than relying on over‑the‑counter drops. Their metabolism is still developing, and a small mistake can become serious.
When should you skip paracetamol? If the person has a known allergy to it, severe liver disease, or is on drugs like warfarin that interact with acetaminophen, they should avoid it or use a doctor‑approved alternative.
In case of an accidental overdose, seek medical help immediately. Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain can appear within hours, but liver damage might take a day or two to show.
Bottom line: stick to the weight‑based formula for kids, the 4‑gram daily ceiling for adults, and always double‑check any other meds you’re taking. With those simple rules, paracetamol stays a handy, low‑risk option for headaches, fevers, and mild aches.
