For most healthy adults, the usual dose of 500 mg paracetamol (acetaminophen) is:

  • 1–2 tablets (500–1000 mg) at a time.
  • You can repeat this dose up to 4 times in 24 hours.
  • You must leave at least 4 hours between doses.
  • Do not take more than 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 hours.

So in simple terms: most adults can take 1–2 of the 500 mg tablets, up to 4 times a day, with a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

Very important safety points

  • If you weigh under about 50 kg, have liver or kidney disease, drink a lot of alcohol, are malnourished, or are taking other medicines, you may need a lower maximum dose and should speak to a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Never take other cold/flu or pain medicines that also contain paracetamol at the same time, or you can accidentally overdose.
  • Taking more than the recommended amount can cause serious and sometimes fatal liver damage, even if you feel fine at first.

If you may have taken too much

  • If you have taken more than 8 x 500 mg tablets in 24 hours , or more than your doctor/pharmacist advised, seek urgent medical help immediately , even if you feel well.
  • Go to A&E / ER or call your local emergency/poison service and take the medicine packet with you.

Quick example

If you start at 8:00 in the morning:

  1. 1–2 tablets at 08:00.
  2. 1–2 tablets at or after 12:00.
  3. 1–2 tablets at or after 16:00.
  4. 1–2 tablets at or after 20:00.

That would be the maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

If your pain or fever is not improving after 3 days, or you’re unsure what’s safe for your situation, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for personalised advice.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.