Research carried out at Edinburgh University and published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology  has discovered a number of cases of what they call 'staggered overdose'.

This is where some of us taking paracetamol for chronic pain may take the extra couple for particularly bad episodes, rather than sticking rigidly to the recommended two tablets four times a day (ie eight in any 24hours).

Similarly those of us taking paracetamol correctly for pain may get a seasonal touch of the snuffles and sneezes and immediately turn to one of the many over-the-counter cold and flu treatments.   Many of these treatments also contain paracetamol, and could easily put us at risk if we were to combine it with our regular paracetamol.

So be careful, never exceed the stated dose, and always read the list of ingredients of over-the-counter medicines
If ever you are in any doubt about your medicines then have a chat with your pharmacist, or nurse or doctor.

Source:  BBC