Panadol Tablet Uses, Side Effects, Precautions and FAQs
Uses
Panadol uses
This drug is used to treat mild to moderate pain (from headaches, menstrual periods, toothaches, back pain, osteoarthritis, or cold/flu aches and pain) and to reduce fever.
- Fever
- Headache
- Toothache
- Periods pain
- Joint Pain
- Flu-like symptoms
How to take
- Take the product by mouth as directed. Follow all directions on the package of products. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for further queries.
- There are many acetaminophen brands and forms available. Read the dosing instructions carefully for each medicine, as the amount of acetaminophen might vary for each product. Do not take more acetaminophen than is recommended.
- If you give acetaminophen to a child, be sure to use a product that is intended for children. Use your child's weight to find the right dose for the product package. If you don't know the weight of your child, you can use their age.
- Shake the medication well before each dose for suspensions. Some liquids do not need to be shaken before they are used. Follow all directions on the package of products. Measure the liquid medication with the dose-measuring spoon/dropper/syringe to make sure you have the correct dose. Don't use a household spoon.
- For fast-dissolving tablets, chew or allow to dissolve on the tongue, and swallow with or without water. Chew thoroughly before swallowing for chewable tablets.
- Do not crush or chew tablets with extended-release. Doing so can release all drugs at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist will tell you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
- Dissolve the dose in the recommended amount of water for effervescent tablets, then drink.
- Pain drugs work best if they are used as the first signs of pain. If you wait for symptoms to worsen, the medication may not work as well.
- Do not take this fever medicine for more than 3 days unless directed by your doctor. Do not take this product for more than 10 days (5 days in children) for pain in adults unless directed by your doctor. If the child has a sore throat (especially high fever, headache, or nausea/vomiting), consult your doctor promptly.
- Tell your doctor if your condition persists or gets worse or if you develop new symptoms. If you think you might have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
This drug usually has no side effects. If you have any unusual effects, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before taking acetaminophen, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.
Alcohol: Chronic excessive use of alcohol may increase the risk of liver damage due to acetaminophen, even when acetaminophen is used at normal doses. If you drink 3 or more alcoholic beverages per day your risk of severe or possibly fatal liver damage is increased.
Avoiding overdose: Acetaminophen is a frequent cause of accidental poisoning for infants and children. Keep the medication out of the reach of children, use an oral syringe to measure the dose, read the package carefully, and consult your pharmacist or doctor to confirm the best dose for your child.
Adults are also at risk of an acetaminophen overdose, especially if they take multiple products containing acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a common ingredient in many non-prescription medications for colds and flu, pain, arthritis, and fever. Check the product label on all medications you are taking to make sure you are not exceeding the recommended dose of acetaminophen. An overdose of acetaminophen can lead to potentially fatal liver damage.
Liver: Acetaminophen may cause severe and potentially fatal liver damage. This risk is increased when acetaminophen is used for longer than recommended or at doses higher than recommended. Alcoholism and liver diseases such as hepatitis increase this risk. For adults and children over the age of 12, the total amount of acetaminophen taken in a day from all sources should not exceed 4000 mg.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin.
Pregnancy: Acetaminophen is reported to be safe for short-term use in pregnancy at recommended doses.
Breast-feeding: Acetaminophen passes into breast milk but is not likely to have a harmful effect on the infant when used at recommended doses.
Children: Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Adult doses of acetaminophen can cause liver damage or liver failure.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Panadol
1. How many Panadol extra can I take?
Doses of Panadol greater than the recommended doses are toxic to the liver. Hence, always read the product label and follow the instructions or take it as prescribed by your doctor. Many things affect the dosage, such as body weight, other medicines and medical conditions. If you are not sure of how to take the dose, consult your doctor for advice.
2. How to take Panadol?
Panadol tablets need to be swallowed with water. Follow the directions as mentioned on the product label or ask your pharmacist or doctor in case of any queries. One should not take more than four tablets in 24 hours. When giving Panadol to children, make sure to use the one that is intended for them.
3. Is Panadol good for headaches?
Panadol offers quick and effective relief from mild to moderate headaches, including tension, migraine and cluster headaches. However, it is essential to note that the medicine offers temporary relief from pain. If your condition persists or gets worse, seek medical help. You may also consult our medical expert for more advice.
4. Are Panadol and Paracetamol the same?
Panadol contains paracetamol as its essential ingredient. It is an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reliever). It is not anti-inflammatory, which means it does not help reduce inflammation and swelling. Panadol and Paracetamol are the same drugs but may differ in forms and dosage per tablet.
5. Can I have Panadol during pregnancy?
Use of Panadol is not recommended during pregnancy unless clinically needed. It should be used at the lowest dose and for the shortest possible time. The human clinical studies have not yet been done in pregnancy for intravenous acetaminophen.
6. Can Panadol be taken on an empty stomach?
Yes, Panadol can be taken on an empty stomach or after having food. The drug is absorbed well both ways. If you have other medical concerns, contact your doctor for advice.
7. Can Panadol delay periods?
Panadol does not delay periods. There are many reasons that periods could be delayed. Consult our medical expert to address any issue that could be causing delayed periods.
8. Does Panadol Advance make you sleepy?
Panadol Advance does not cause sleepiness. However, do not take Panadol Advance if you are already taking paracetamol medicines to treat fever or aid sleep. Consult your doctor for advice or reach out to our medical experts for more information.
9. Does Panadol contain caffeine?
Panadol contains a clinically proven combination of ingredients, including caffeine. It enhances the pain-relieving effect of the paracetamol in Panadol. Avoid excessive intake of drinks such as tea, coffee, etc., when taking this drug.
10. Does Panadol have ibuprofen?
Panadol does not contain ibuprofen. Panadol has paracetamol as an active ingredient that helps to relieve pain and fever.
