Acetaminophen Facts

September 22, 2025 – Acetaminophen—also known as paracetamol—is one of the most widely used over-the-counter pain relievers and fever reducers worldwide. In most countries, it is considered safe when used correctly and is available without a prescription. However, because of the risk of liver damage from overdose, some governments have taken steps to restrict its sale or reduce packaging sizes, rather than banning it outright. Unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen does not significantly reduce inflammation.

For the average healthy adult, the absolute maximum daily dose is no more than 4,000 milligrams (mg) from all sources. But in some people, doses close to the 4,000 mg daily limit for adults could still be toxic to the liver. It’s safest to take only what you need, and to not exceed 3,000 mg a day whenever possible, especially if you use acetaminophen often.

For example, in the United Kingdom, limits were introduced in the late 1990s on how many tablets could be purchased at one time from pharmacies or general stores, with blister packaging required to discourage accidental or impulsive overdoses. Similar restrictions exist in parts of Europe and Australia, where smaller pack sizes are sold without prescription, but larger quantities require consultation with a pharmacist or doctor.

To reach the 4000mg level you would need to take eight Extra Strength 500 mg tablets over a 24-hour period. Or, twelve Regular Strength 325 mg tablets in 24 hours.

As of now, no country has imposed a full national ban on acetaminophen. It remains a cornerstone of basic healthcare, especially since it is safe for most people who cannot take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Still, public health agencies worldwide continue to monitor its use closely, given that intentional and unintentional overdoses are a leading cause of acute liver failure.