Here's the practical version before the underlying evidence — everything below is explained and cited in full in the sections that follow.
Before Taking Anything
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Check the active ingredient on everything you've already taken that day — including combination cold and flu remedies, which frequently already contain paracetamol, an NSAID, or both.
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Add up the total dose across products, not just the dose of the product you're about to take — this is where most accidental overdoses genuinely happen.
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If you're on any regular prescription medication, check with a pharmacist before adding a new OTC product — pharmacists are a free, accessible, and underused resource for exactly this question.
The Daily Ceilings Worth Knowing
| Medication | Typical adult ceiling | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol (acetaminophen) | Usually 4g/day (check local packaging) | Hides in combination products — a standalone dose on top of one is the most common way to exceed it |
| NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin) | Varies by drug — check packaging | Daily use beyond a few days for a recurring issue is a signal to see a doctor, not a dosing problem to solve |