![\"Confused](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0_GettyImages-1010556188.jpg\")
Paracetamol isn’t suitable for everyone(Image: Antonio Guillem\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nThe NHS advises that several key groups of people should take steps before taking this medicationParacetamol isn’t suitable for everyone(Image: Antonio Guillem\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
If you’re coming down with the flu <\/a>or suffering from aches, you may reach for paracetamol. Often praised for its ability to ease various pains and symptoms<\/a>, around 200 million <\/a>packets <\/a>of this painkiller are sold over the counter each year in the UK alone.<\/p>\n Nevertheless, you may be surprised to learn that paracetamol<\/a> isn’t quite suitable for everyone. In fact, certain people are advised to consult a health professional before taking this drug<\/a> to avoid any unwanted side effects.<\/p>\n According to the NHS<\/a>, this especially includes anyone who has suffered an allergic reaction to medicines, including, but not limited to, paracetamol,<\/a> in the past, alongside others who have a history of kidney or liver problems.<\/p>\n Others who should consult medical advice beforehand include:<\/p>\n People who take certain medicationsPeople with liver or kidney problemsAnyone who regularly drinks more than the maximum amount of alcohol recommended (14 units per week)People who weigh less than 50kg (eight stone) might require a lower dosageAnyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or another medicine<\/p>\n Further advice from the NHS<\/a> explains: “Paracetamol is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pain. It can also be used to reduce a high temperature. It’s available to buy from a pharmacy or shop, but you may be able to get 1g tablets on prescription if you have long-term pain.<\/p>\n “It comes as tablets, capsules, syrup, powder that you mix with water, or suppositories. The 1g tablets are only available if prescribed by a doctor. Paracetamol is also available combined with other painkillers and anti-sickness medicines. It is used in a wide range of cold and flu remedies.”<\/p>\n Paracetamol is generally safe to use with most prescription medications and antibiotics, but there are some exceptions. If you are prescribed warfarin to prevent blood clots or any medication for epilepsy or tuberculosis, it is advisable to consult a doctor before taking paracetamol.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, in the case of other painkillers, the NHS<\/a> adds: “It’s safe to take paracetamol with other types of painkiller that do not contain paracetamol, such as ibuprofen<\/a>, aspirin<\/a> or codeine<\/a>. Do not take paracetamol alongside other medicines that contain paracetamol. If you take two different medicines that contain paracetamol, there’s a risk of overdose.”<\/p>\n Typical adults can take two 500mg tablets four times in 24 hours, with a minimum interval of four hours between doses. It is recommended not to take more than eight tablets within this timeframe.<\/p>\n Although paracetamol remains safe for most situations, this guidance follows a study from the University of Nottingham that<\/a> highlighted potential dangers of prolonged use. The research, published last November, warned that repeated doses in elderly patients could increase the risk of heart, gastrointestinal, and kidney problems.<\/p>\n As part of their analyses, scientists examined medical records from 180,483 people aged 65 and over who had been prescribed paracetamol. They compared them with 402,478 similar-aged people who had not used the medication.<\/p>\n READ MORE: Five health studies on diet, flu risks, Alzheimer’s and more that you need to know<\/a><\/p>\n The results proved alarming, showing that ‘prolonged paracetamol usage’ could substantially increase chances of ‘serious complications’, including heart failure, elevated blood pressure<\/a>, gastric ulcers, and chronic kidney disease.<\/p>\n Consequently, the research team urged a ‘careful reconsideration’ of prescribing paracetamol as the primary option for managing persistent pain.<\/p>\n![\"Top](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2_Top-view-of-a-womans-hand-holding-a-pill.jpg\")
Typical adults can take two 500mg tablets four times in 24 hours(Image: Olga Dobrovolska via Getty Images)<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1_Womans-hands-hold-headache-pills.jpg\")
Typical adults can consume two 500mg tablets four times within 24 hours(Image: SVPhilon via Getty Images)<\/p>\n