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. 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.
For under-16s, find out more about paracetamol for children.
Key facts
- Paracetamol can take up to an hour to work.
- The usual dose of paracetamol is one or two 500mg tablets at a time, up to 4 times in 24 hours. The maximum dose is eight 500mg tablets in 24 hours.
- Do not take paracetamol with other medicines containing paracetamol because there is a risk of overdose.
- Paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at recommended doses.
- It may not be safe for you to drink alcohol with paracetamol if you have certain health conditions, such as liver problems. Check the leaflet that comes with your medicine.