Paracetamol max dosage per day
The standard maximum dose of paracetamol (acetaminophen) for adults is 4,000 mg (4 g) per day, taken as no more than 1,000 mg per single dose, with doses spaced at least 4-6 hours apart.
For certain groups, a lower limit is recommended:
- Elderly, low body weight (<50 kg), or those with liver/kidney issues: max 2,000-3,000 mg/day
- Regular alcohol users: max 2,000 mg/day
- Children: weight-based dosing (typically 10-15 mg/kg per dose, max 4-5 doses/day)
Searching sources...
Reading File
Searching the Web
paracetamol acetaminophen maximum daily dose adults 2024 guidelines
Finding Sources
Reading File
Here is a complete, sourced breakdown:
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) - Maximum Daily Dose
Adults (>12 years, weight >50 kg)
| Route | Single Dose | Frequency | Max Daily Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oral | 650-1,000 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 4,000 mg/day |
| Rectal (PR) | 325-650 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 4,000 mg/day |
| IV (Ofirmev) | 650-1,000 mg | Every 4-6 hours | 4,000 mg/day |
- No more than 5 doses in 24 hours
- Space doses at least 4 hours apart
Reduced Limits (Special Populations)
| Population | Recommended Max |
|---|---|
| Elderly / frail | 2,000-3,000 mg/day |
| Low body weight (<50 kg) | 75 mg/kg/day (lesser of 75 mg/kg or 4,000 mg) |
| Liver disease / heavy alcohol use | 2,000 mg/day (use with caution or avoid) |
| Hepatic impairment | Avoid or use lowest effective dose |
Children (Oral/PR)
| Age | Dose | Max Daily |
|---|---|---|
| Infant/child | 10-15 mg/kg every 4-6 hours | 75 mg/kg/day or 4,000 mg (whichever is less) |
| 6-11 years | 325 mg every 4-6 hours | 5 doses/day |
| IV (child >50 kg) | 15 mg/kg single dose | 75 mg/kg/day |
Key Safety Points
- Paracetamol is found in many combination products (cold/flu remedies, opioid combinations like co-codamol). Total intake from all sources must not exceed the daily limit.
- Hepatotoxicity is usually dose-dependent - overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in many countries.
- McNeil (Tylenol brand) voluntarily lowered their consumer label to 3,000 mg/day for extra-strength products to provide a wider safety margin for the general public.
- The FDA established the 4,000 mg/day limit; some clinicians use 3,000 mg/day as a practical ceiling for routine use.
Sources: Rosen's Emergency Medicine, 10th Ed.; NIH StatPearls; Harvard Health
This is a shared conversation. Sign in to Orris to start your own chat.