OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Concern Regarding Paracetamol Consumption

6/26/2025, 12:50:19 AMMale25-34

I hope to get some guidance on a matter that’s been worrying me. I’m a 19-year-old female, weighing 54 kg and standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, which puts my BMI at 21. I’ve ingested approximately 10 paracetamol tablets over a span of 20 hours, totaling about 5 grams, with doses spaced roughly 4 hours apart. Currently, I’m feeling generally well, aside from a bit of nausea. However, I’ve come across information stating that symptoms can worsen significantly after 24 hours. Should I seek medical advice, or is it likely that I will be alright? To add, I do not consume alcohol and have no prior issues with my liver that would raise concerns.

AgingWellnessSupplements

Answers (1)

Cony

6/26/2025, 12:50:34 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned after taking multiple doses of paracetamol (acetaminophen). Taking about 5 grams of paracetamol in a 20-hour period exceeds the general maximum recommended limit for adults, which is typically 4 grams in a 24-hour period. Though you are currently feeling well aside from some nausea, it’s important to recognize that paracetamol can affect the liver, and signs of potential liver damage may not appear immediately.

Explanation:

Paracetamol is generally safe when taken at the recommended doses, but exceeding these can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage. The fact that you're experiencing nausea could be an early sign of a reaction to the medication. Symptoms of liver damage may develop gradually and can include fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal pain, and confusion.

Next Steps:

  1. Stay Alert for Symptoms: Monitor yourself for any signs of worsening health, especially abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), or extreme fatigue over the next day.

  2. Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help your body metabolize substances and maintain liver function.

  3. Avoid Additional Medication: Do not take any more paracetamol or other medications until you have more clarity on your situation.

  4. Seek Medical Advice: Given that you've exceeded the recommended dose, it’s wise to contact a healthcare professional or visit an emergency room for evaluation. They can perform tests to check your liver function and ensure you're safe.

While you are feeling generally well, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and get medical advice due to the amount of paracetamol taken. You’re taking the right approach by seeking guidance, and staying proactive is important.

Related Questions

Persistent Need to Stretch Legs While Seated

I experience a significant discomfort when seated, particularly when my knees are bent at about a 90-degree angle. This sensation compels me to stretch my legs straight, and if too much time passes without doing so—typically around every five to six minutes—the urge intensifies to an uncomfortable level that’s hard to manage. It’s more than just a desire to fidget; fully extending my legs tends to offer the greatest relief. Adjusting my position provides some comfort, but it doesn’t alleviate the feeling nearly as effectively as a full stretch does. This issue predominantly arises when I remain stationary in a chair. Occasionally, I notice a similar feeling when I’m lying down, but these instances are relatively rare compared to the frequent occurrences while sitting. I consulted a relative who is a medical professional about this discomfort, and they suggested that it doesn’t appear to align with Restless Leg Syndrome. However, since this isn't their specialization, I acknowledge that there may be a chance of error. * What could potentially be causing these sensations? * Does anyone else relate to this experience? * Are there methods available to help manage or diminish this feeling? I would greatly appreciate any advice or insights.

WellnessSupplementsLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
7 minutes ago

Resources for Safe Mouse Cleanup

While it may not be a typical inquiry for a healthcare professional, I find myself in need of guidance. Recently, we had an uninvited mouse visitor in our home, and unfortunately, it left droppings in my children's toy storage and on the changing table. I am seeking advice on how to effectively disinfect all affected items or determine if disposal is necessary to prevent any health risks. My children are quite young, at 2.5 years and just 4 months old. If they’ve potentially been exposed to mouse droppings, should I reach out to their pediatrician? For reference, I’m a 32-year-old female, standing at 5'6" and weighing 140 pounds, not currently on any medications.

AgingWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
27 minutes ago

Urinalysis Inquiry

Subject: Urinalysis Results Review Age: 23 Height: 5'2" Weight: 101 lbs Greetings! I would appreciate it if you could review my urinalysis findings. The test was conducted yesterday, just one day prior to the start of my menstrual cycle, and I am now currently on my period. Below are the details of my results, as I need this information to fulfill a prerequisite for my employment. Additionally, I would like to know whether my menstrual cycle may have influenced the outcome of the test. I typically experience frequent urination, yet I do not have any discomfort or pain while urinating.

NutritionWellnessFamily Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Combining Ketorolac with Alcohol: Is It Safe?

Recently, I unknowingly mixed a 10mg dose of ketorolac with half a bottle of 4.5% beer. At that moment, I wasn't aware of the potential risks involved in this combination. It wasn't until I was partway through my drink that I thought to look it up. Now, I’m wondering if it’ll be fine for me to have a drink tomorrow night after stopping all ketorolac use, especially since this medication hasn’t been effective for my pain relief. To give you an idea of the timeline, I took ketorolac around 2 PM and didn’t start drinking until 11 PM.

WellnessSupplementsLifestyle Changes
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Concerns About My Eye Condition

I'm a 19-year-old female, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5'5". Lately, I’ve noticed some troubling changes in my eyes. There are prominent, red veins extending from the inner corners of my eyes into the irises. Additionally, there are bright red streaks and pools forming at the lower part of both eyes beneath the eyelids, bordered by a yellowish hue. When I consulted two different doctors, they were unable to pinpoint the issue and simply recommended lubricating eye drops. Unfortunately, the condition seems to be deteriorating, with the redness spreading further. While there is no significant pain, keeping my eyes open feels like a struggle, and my vision has become increasingly blurry, leading to some headaches. I’ve been unwell recently, but I’m uncertain if this has any relevance to my eye problems. Any advice or insights would be immensely helpful.

AgingFamily MedicineInternal Medicine
Male25-34
2 hours ago