How long can I continue the dose of paracetamol?

[backpain28]

I'm not sure if this is in the correct place, so apologies if it isn't.

Recently I started having pains in my back, which are easily suppressed with paracetamol. However, after taking about two doses on average a day for five days, I had diarrhoea. I'm wondering if this is perhaps related or a noted side effect (although I've never had this side effect before). And how long can I continue to take them for? Can I just keep taking the recommended four doses per day for as long as I need? Or should I stop taking them after a certain period of time?

Thanks a lot for reading!

[backpain28]

Alright, so it should be safe until Monday when I can get to the doctors. Thanks everyone!!

[houseofgirls]

I believe that most over the counter pain medications tell you on the package to see your doctor if your symptoms continue past a week or two.

[backpain28]

Many thanks for your help Jaybay! However, is it safe to keep taking the recommended dosage of 3-4 per day for as many days as I like? Or should I stop after a certain number of days?

Thanks again! :)

[Jaybay]

The recommended maximum dosage of Paracetamol, more commonly known as Tylenol or acetaminophen in the US, is 4 grams daily.  The US FDA is considering lowering the recommended daily dose to 3 grams due to the risk of liver damage with high or long-term daily use, but I have not heard that the recommendation has been finalized.  One extra strenth Tylenol is 500 grams, which means you should take no more than 4 per day.

Rather than try to treat your back yourself, I think you should see your doctor both to discover the reason for your pain and have it safely and more effectively treated.  Although diarrhea isn't a common side-effect of paracetamol, there's always the odd reaction to any medication.  It may be coincidental - or not.  Hope you're feeling better soon.  :-)