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Paracetamol

What is paracetamol?

Paracetamol is a widely available, over-the-counter medication that can effectively relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fevers.
How much paracetamol can I take?

Before taking any paracetamol product or giving it to your child, always consult the product label for information about the correct dosage amount and how often you should take/give it.

Alternatively, please contact your health professional should you have any concerns regarding dosing.

Adults can usually take one dose of paracetamol (1-2 tablets of 500 mg) every 4-6 hours, while children need to take a lower dose than adults.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Incorrect use could be harmful
Does paracetamol have side effects?

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated when taken at the recommended dose. However, if you are concerned about any unusual symptoms experienced after taking Panadol or any other paracetamol-based product, consult your GP or pharmacist.

If you feel unwell, seek immediate medical attention.
Can paracetamol be used for osteoarthritis pain?

Modified release paracetamol as found in Panadol Osteo can help relieve the persistent pain of osteoarthritis. With only 3 daily doses, each lasting up to 8 hours, Panadol Osteo may provide up to 24-hour relief from pain when used as directed.
Can paracetamol help with a cold?

Although no cure exists for the common cold, pain relievers such as paracetamol can effectively relieve associated symptoms. These symptoms include, but are not limited to, headaches, sinus pain, sore throat, and body aches.
Can Paracetamol help with fevers?

A fever is a normal physical response of your body when there’s an infection. It’s defined as when a person’s body temperature rises above 37.5°C or 38°C. That rise in temperature often happens during common illnesses like the flu as your body fights off germs.

Most fevers can be managed with over-the-counter medications such as Panadol (paracetamol) or ibuprofen, but if symptoms persist for more than 3 days, it is strongly recommended to see a doctor.

Find out more here.
How to relieve a headache?
Headaches are one of the most common types of pain and can range in both severity and duration. Panadol offers a diverse range of pain relief products to suit different needs, including options like Panadol Rapid, which works 10 minutes faster*; Panadol Extra which provides extra strength pain relief**; Panadol Optizorb for advanced absorption** that's also gentle on stomachs and more.

_{*than regular Panadol Tablets}

_{**compared to standard Paracetamol tablets.}

Other methods of pain management can include:

Rest, relaxation and sleep

Apply heating/cooling packs to the affected area

Staying sufficiently hydrated

Although over-the-counter pain medication and other methods of pain management may help you feel better, it’s important to address the underlying cause to avoid recurring head pain. Always consult your doctor as a first step.

Find out more here.

Children

Can I give paracetamol to babies and children?

If your child is aged one month or older, you can give them Children’s Panadol. The Children’s Panadol product range is formulated for babies and children of all ages (1 month to 12 years), so you can simply match your child’s weight to the products available for their group. Always check your child’s weight to determine the correct dose. Only use age when the weight is unknown.
How long does paracetamol take to work on babies and children?

If your child is experiencing discomfort with a temperature, the paracetamol in your chosen Children’s Panadol liquid product can start to reduce fever in just 15 minutes.
Can children experience side effects after consuming paracetamol?

Panadol is generally well tolerated when taken at the recommended dose. However, if you are worried about a side effect or notice anything unusual in your baby or child after giving them Panadol Children, immediately speak to your health professional such as a GP or pharmacist.
What is Children’s Panadol used for?

Children's Panadol helps provide temporary relief of your child's fever and pain from teething, headache, earache, immunisation, and cold and flu symptoms. Got more questions? Click on the relevant topic for tips on what to look out for and how you can help your child.
How does Children’s Panadol work?

Children's Panadol contains paracetamol which relieves pain by stopping the pain messages from getting through to the brain and lowers fever by stopping the chemicals that tell the brain to increase body temperature.
Do I dose by weight or age?

Dosing by weight ensures your child receives the correct dose for effective relief of pain or fever. This is because children of the same age can have different body weights, depending on their age and gender. If weight is unknown, dose by age. You can access our handy Dosage Chart for Children’s Panadol to determine the correct dose for your child.
How often can I give Children’s Panadol?

The recommended dose of Panadol Children can be given every 4 to 6 hours. Don't give more than 4 doses within a 24-hour period and don't use for more than 48 hours at a time, except on medical advice.
How long does Children’s Panadol take to work?

Children’s Panadol liquid products can start to reduce fever in just 15 minutes.
How long does Children’s Panadol last?

Children's Panadol can provide up to 6 hours of pain and fever relief.
Can Children’s Panadol be given with food?

Children’s Panadol liquid products can be mixed with water or fruit juice if preferred by your child.
Can I use baby paracetamol and ibuprofen together?

We recommend consulting your health professional before dosing Children’s Panadol with an ibuprofen or another paracetamol containing product. Seek medical advice if pain or fever persists for more than 48 hours.
What might I use Children’s Panadol suppositories for?

If your child is experiencing nausea and vomiting, suppositories may be preferred. For ease of insertion, the suppository can be moistened just before insertion.
What is the minimum age for use Chewable tablets?

This product is suitable for children 3 years and above.

Product Information

What’s the difference between a suspension and an elixir?

Panadol Children suspension contains paracetamol dispersed uniformly throughout the suspension. On the other hand, Panadol Children elixir contains paracetamol dissolved in a syrupy liquid.

See the entire children’s Panadol range here
What is the difference between Panadol Rapid and Panadol Optizorb?

The difference is in how fast the tablet/caplet is absorbed: Panadol Rapid works on pain relief 10 minutes faster than standard Panadol tablets, whereas Panadol Optizorb is absorbed 25% faster than regular Panadol tablets.

Panadol Optizorb is suitable for people on low sodium diets, while people on low sodium diets should consult their healthcare professional before using Panadol Rapid.

See the entire Adult Panadol range here
What's the difference between regular Panadol and Panadol containing Optizorb formulation?

Panadol with Optizorb Formulation contains a patented delivery system which enables it to dissolve faster in the stomach and to be absorbed faster than regular Panadol tablets.

See the entire Adult Panadol range here
What's the difference between regular Panadol and Panadol Rapid?

Panadol Rapid works on pain relief 10 minutes faster than regular Panadol tablets.

See the entire Adult Panadol range here
Why does Panadol Extra contain caffeine?

Caffeine enhances the pain-relieving effect of the paracetamol in Panadol Extra.
Will Panadol Extra keep me awake at night?

Panadol Extra contains 65mg of caffeine per caplet, which can cause sleeplessness if it is taken within several hours of going to bed.
Do I need a prescription to buy Panadol Osteo (Paracetamol)?

No, you do not need a prescription to purchase Panadol Osteo, however you will need to speak with your pharmacist before purchasing.
Panadol Osteo vs Panadol - what’s the difference?

Panadol reduces fever and is used for quick and effective, short-term relief from pain and discomfort associated with head and muscle aches, period pain, cold and flu symptoms and dental pain.

Panadol Osteo, however, is specifically designed to treat persistent pain associated with osteoarthritis, as well as muscular aches and pains. It contains a higher dosage of Panadol’s active ingredient - paracetamol - with 665mg. Regular Panadol tablets contain 500mg of paracetamol, by comparison.

The paracetamol in Panadol Osteo is released in two stages. The first stage is released quickly, for rapid pain relief. The second stage is released slowly, to provide prolonged pain relief from symptoms of osteoarthritis for up to eight hours.

Safety Information

Can you take Panadol when pregnant?

Ask your pharmacist or doctor about using paracetamol if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Paracetamol may be used during pregnancy and if you are breastfeeding, but you should always consult your doctor first.

Find out more here
Is paracetamol a blood thinner?

Panadol is not a blood thinner.
Can I take paracetamol and ibuprofen together?

Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Panadol and any other medication together, to make sure it is okay for you to do so.
Does Panadol contain aspirin?

No, Panadol does not contain aspirin.
Can I drink alcohol when using any Panadol products?

Alcohol and paracetamol may interfere with each other. Your pharmacist and doctor will have more information on these and other medicines to be careful with or avoid while using this medicine.
Can I use Panadol after the expiry date?

No. It is not recommended to use the product after the expiry date as we cannot guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the product past this date.

If the product has been purchased already expired, we suggest returning the product to the place of purchase.
Can I take Panadol if I’m on a sodium/salt restricted diet?
It depends. There is no sodium/salt in the following products:

Regular Panadol tablets

Panadol Optizorb

Panadol Mini Caps

Panadol Osteo

Panadol Liquid Caps

Panadol Rapid and Panadol Rapid Soluble contain sodium. If you are on a sodium/salt restricted diet, speak with your doctor before using Panadol Rapid and Panadol Rapid Soluble
Can you take Panadol on an empty stomach?

Paracetamol can be taken either with or without food however, you should still always be sure to follow the dosage instructions on your Panadol package carefully. The normal amount for adults is one or two 500 mg tablets, to be taken every 4-6 hours (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours). You should always leave at least 4 hours between doses, as taking too much paracetamol can cause serious side effects.

You should not be tempted to take more than the recommended dose - even if your pain is very bad - unless directed to do so by a healthcare professional.

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