May 18, 2022 at 9:35 PM
Headache, toothache and fever are three pain complaints for which we usually immediately take paracetamol. But when do you take too much paracetamol?
By Naomi Defoer
“Swallowing too much paracetamol can be harmful to the liver,” says doctor Tanya Tolido. “If you use paracetamol for more than a week and the pain does not decrease, I always advise you to discuss your (pain) complaints with your doctor to see what other options there are, besides paracetamol.”
“There is also a maximum dose of the painkiller. For acute pain, such as toothache, the maximum dose is 1,000 milligrams four times a day. With chronic use, the maximum dose per day is 2,500 milligrams, divided over the day.”
Paracetamol is a commonly used pain reliever and has a fever-reducing effect, but is not an anti-inflammatory. Ibuprofen and aspirin do contain the latter property and also have a mild anti-blood-clotting effect. Despite the popularity of paracetamol, its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood.
Do not immediately reach for the paracetamol
“There are several theories,” explains the GP. “For example, paracetamol would reduce the production of prostaglandins. These are substances that cause fever and pain, among other things. Paracetamol inhibits these substances, so that the pain and fever decrease. The drug works best as soon as you build up a level in your blood, so when you take the painkiller several times a day.”
Reaching for a pain-relieving tablet quickly is unnecessary, according to Tolido. “Always first see if you can combat the pain in another way. Think of a hot water bottle for stomach pain, movement or heat for muscle or joint pain, or enough sleep and water for a headache. Only if that does not help enough, can you add paracetamol to take.”
Always look first to see if you can combat the pain in another way. Think of a hot water bottle for a stomachache or enough sleep and water for a headache.
Tanya Tolido, general practitioner
Guido Sanen, naturopathic therapist and nurse, is completely against the use of paracetamol. He finds the frequent use of the painkiller a worrying development. “It can have a harmful effect on the organs,” explains Sanen. “Paracetamol certainly has an analgesic effect, but we should certainly not eliminate its placebo effect, because your thoughts can be more powerful than the chemical process that produces a painkiller.”
The body can get used to painkillers
Sanen says he prefers to use natural means. For example, magnesium and calcium would be good remedies in case of headaches and you can take omega 3, turmeric and CBD oil for joint pain. “Only if that doesn’t help and in acute complaints I recommend paracetamol. I see people in practice who just want to get rid of their chemical painkillers.”
Tolido also advises against long-term use. “Using paracetamol more often than fifteen days a month if you have a headache, for example, can actually make the complaints worse,” the doctor explains. “The body gets used to the painkillers and therefore the pain gets worse if you suddenly stop taking paracetamol. If this happens, it is wise to keep a headache diary and discuss it with your doctor.”
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