HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

I Have Been Taking 3600mg Aspirin And 2400mg Paracetamol A

default
Posted on Sun, 27 Oct 2019
Question: I have been taking 3600mg aspirin and 2400mg paracetamol a day for about 2 weeks, 3 times the recommended dose. After taking some on Friday evening I became violently ill, throwing up, disorientated and severe back pain (kidneys?) sleeping a lot. I have been getting a bit better with less nausea but still feel ill. Will I be ok to wait it out to get better on its own or should I have any medical intervention at this late stage?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Severe back pain, disorientation, sleepiness and feeling ill warrants a visit with a doctor as soon as possible

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,

I carefully read your query and here is my advise.


The daily dose of paracetamol that you are taking is quite within the maximal daily dose, still, using it for so long causes a heavy load on your liver and you have to be cautious.
As for aspirin, it should not be taken more than 3000-4000 mg a day for more than 3-5 days. Using it for so long in such high doses imposes on you a high risk of stomach problems (ulcer, perforation, bleeding, etc).

Neither paracetamol or aspirin use causes back pain. On the other hand, there are rare cases of peptic ulcer perforation that the pain may be felt in the back. This is a very strong pain associated with vomiting and the patient finds it difficult to move due to pain. This is a medical emergency and needs quick treatment.

To conclude:
- you are using very high daily doses of paracetamol and aspirin that is not recommended to be continued for more than 3-5 days unless the doctor has prescribed them to you and you are under close monitoring of your doctor
- due to the fact that you are having such high doses you are at increased risk for serious side effects so any symptom you develop, you need to let your doctor know asap
- the back pain may be caused by other conditions not related to the drugs you are using but a visit with the doctor is needed to rule out a perforated ulcer due to a high dose of aspirin.
- the visit with the doctor is also indicated due to you feeling unwell, disoriented and sleepy.
- the doctor will have to feel your tummy, check your blood pressure and pulse and do a thorough examination to have an idea of the exact reason for your symptoms and further management.

I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 4435 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
I Have Been Taking 3600mg Aspirin And 2400mg Paracetamol A

Brief Answer: Severe back pain, disorientation, sleepiness and feeling ill warrants a visit with a doctor as soon as possible Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service, I carefully read your query and here is my advise. The daily dose of paracetamol that you are taking is quite within the maximal daily dose, still, using it for so long causes a heavy load on your liver and you have to be cautious. As for aspirin, it should not be taken more than 3000-4000 mg a day for more than 3-5 days. Using it for so long in such high doses imposes on you a high risk of stomach problems (ulcer, perforation, bleeding, etc). Neither paracetamol or aspirin use causes back pain. On the other hand, there are rare cases of peptic ulcer perforation that the pain may be felt in the back. This is a very strong pain associated with vomiting and the patient finds it difficult to move due to pain. This is a medical emergency and needs quick treatment. To conclude: - you are using very high daily doses of paracetamol and aspirin that is not recommended to be continued for more than 3-5 days unless the doctor has prescribed them to you and you are under close monitoring of your doctor - due to the fact that you are having such high doses you are at increased risk for serious side effects so any symptom you develop, you need to let your doctor know asap - the back pain may be caused by other conditions not related to the drugs you are using but a visit with the doctor is needed to rule out a perforated ulcer due to a high dose of aspirin. - the visit with the doctor is also indicated due to you feeling unwell, disoriented and sleepy. - the doctor will have to feel your tummy, check your blood pressure and pulse and do a thorough examination to have an idea of the exact reason for your symptoms and further management. I hope this answers your query. I remain at your disposal for further medical assistance. Regards, Dr. Antoneta Zotaj General and Family Physician