Paracetamol

If the latest research is correct and that paracetamol increases the risk of asthma, is it still safe to take if you already have asthma? One of my triggers is Aspirin so I'm limited has to what pain killers I can take. Paracetamol at the moment does not trigger an attack.

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Hi Peter,

Have bumped the 'Paracetamol and asthma' thread for you!

All the best,

Ginny

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Many thanks Ginny

[Lil_tinx66]

ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhh

this may intrest you i reacently purchased a pack of paracetamol from the pharamacy and i always read the enclosed leaflet as recomedned, it clearly states under the section - consult your doctor before taking if - that a certain ingrediant can cause bronchiospasms in people with a history of asthma .

not sure if these are the exact words of the packet or what the ingreadiant was but will find out and post again!

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hope this isnt true about paracetemol..doc think I may be developing athritis in my hands..I'm a desk bound civil servant and use my quick fingers on a computer all day lolol...well he said because of my asthma I cant have anti immflamatories or ibuprofen..so........he prescribed 2 500mg paracetmols up to 6 times a day!!! now what do i do?

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Hi scottishmum,

The maximum dosage of paracetamol in 24 hours (for an adult) is 4000mg which is EIGHT 500mg tablets (as stated on patient information leaflet). Could you check the pharmacy label for your paracetamol tablets or contact your doctor because ""'2 500mg paracetamols up to 6 times a day"" is over the recommended dosage.

I've also bumped up the Paracetamol and Asthma thread.

HTH

Ginny

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ginny..just checked my prescription..and youre right 2x500mg tabs 4 times a day..so I'm safe..thanks for bringing it to my attention

[Lil_tinx66]

sorry for dely , i have the words !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i no that it has been quite a while since i left my last post unfinished but im back in action!!!!!

the actuall words of the little leaflet in the paracetamol are

""sodium metabisulphite (E223)can cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic syptoms and bronchospasms in susceptiable people, especially those with a history of asthma or allegy. if in doubt talk to your pharmacist or doctor""

so those are the words

luv and hugs

tinx xx

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Sodium metabisulphite, happily, is a preservative that may be used in any number of foodstuffs - here used in the certain brand of paracetamol that you have purchased. As it's a sulphite, it can affect those asthmatics who are sensitive to sulphites.

Paracetamol itself, AKA acitaminophen (in the USA) or para-acetylaminophenol (its chemical name) does not contain sodium metabisulphite or other sulphites. Worth checking those boxes to see what preservatives are used in your favourite brand of paracetamol, though.