Introduction
Panadol (also known as acetaminophen or paracetamol) is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug. As a doctor, I recommend understanding its impact and incorporating it into your pain management routine.
What Are Panadol Tablets?
Paracetamol is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication commonly used to:
- Relieve Pain: It helps with headaches, tension headaches, migraines, backaches, rheumatic and muscle pain, mild arthritis, and toothaches.
- Reduce Fever: It effectively lowers fever (pyrexia) associated with infections or illnesses.
How Panadol Works
By reducing prostaglandins, Panadol helps relieve pain and reduce fever. Paracetamol is thought to block pain signals in the central nervous system. It inhibits the production of prostaglandins, which play a role in transmitting pain messages1. Additionally, it affects serotonergic, opioid, nitric oxide, and cannabinoid pathways.
Common Uses and Dosage
The usual adult dose of Panadol is 1000 milligrams (mg) every 6-8 hours as needed. For children, consult your pediatrician for the correct dosage based on your child’s age and weight. Panadol can be taken with or without food, but taking it with food may prevent an upset stomach.
- Maximum Daily Dose: Adults should not exceed 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of paracetamol per day.
- Liver Health: Taking too much paracetamol can harm the liver, especially in individuals with liver problems.
- Avoid Overlapping Medications: Check labels to avoid unintentional double-dosing (paracetamol is present in many cold and flu medications).
Side Effects and Precautions
Panadol is usually well tolerated, but some people may experience nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation. These side effects are usually minor, As with any medication, follow the directions carefully and never take more than the maximum daily amount. Taking too much paracetamol can cause liver damage.
FAQs
Can I take Panadol if I’m pregnant? Yes, Panadol is considered safe for short-term use during pregnancy to relieve pain and fever. However, talk to your doctor before taking Panadol regularly or in high doses during pregnancy.
Is Panadol safe for children? Yes, Panadol can be given to children in appropriate doses based on their age and weight. Always follow the directions carefully and never give children medication without consulting a doctor.
How long does it take for Panadol to start working? Panadol typically starts working within 30 minutes to an hour. The effects tend to last 4 to 6 hours, so you may need to take another dose to continue controlling your pain or fever.
It Reduces Prostaglandin Production
First, Panadol works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins – hormone-like substances that cause pain, inflammation and fever. By reducing prostaglandin levels in the body.
It Acts on the Hypothalamus
Panadol also acts on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. It helps lower the “thermostat” in the hypothalamus,
It Provides Analgesic Effects
Additionally, Panadol has analgesic or pain-relieving effects. It works by elevating the pain threshold, meaning that it takes higher levels of pain stimuli for the pain to be felt.
The Benefits of Taking Panadol
As doctors, we often recommend Panadol to our patients for relieving mild to moderate pain. Panadol tablets contain paracetamol, an analgesic and antipyretic drug that can help reduce pain and lower fever.
Reduces Pain
Panadol works by blocking pain signals in the brain and spinal cord. It can help relieve common pains like headaches, toothaches, backaches, and arthritis pain.
Lowers Fever
If you have a fever, Panadol can help bring your temperature down. We recommend taking 500 to 1000 mg, then 500 mg every 6 hours until your fever is gone. Panadol is safe for most adults and children,
Potential Side Effects of Panadol
As doctors, we want our patients to understand both the benefits and potential side effects of any medication before taking it.
However, some patients may experience temporary side effects such as:
Nausea or upset stomach. Panadol can irritate the stomach lining in some individuals. Taking the tablets with food may help reduce nausea.
Allergic reaction. Although rare, an allergic reaction to Panadol can cause rash, itching, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat, or shortness of breath. Seek medical help immediately if an allergic reaction occurs.
Overdosing on Panadol can cause severe liver damage. The maximum daily dose for adults is 4,000 mg per day. Do not take more than the recommended dosage, and do not take Panadol with any other drug that contains paracetamol.
When taken as directed, Panadol is typically very safe and effective. However, like any medication, it does come with some risks.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Panadol Tablets | Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Relief | Effective | Also effective |
| Anti-Inflammatory | Not significant | Yes, reduces inflammation |
| Cardiovascular Risk | Low | Slight risk in certain populations |
FAQs About Panadol: Your Top Questions Answered
- Can I take Panadol during pregnancy? Consult your doctor; it’s generally considered safe.
- Is Panadol safe for breastfeeding mothers? Yes, but follow recommended doses.
- Can I take Panadol with other medications? Check for interactions with your healthcare provider.
What conditions does Panadol treat?
Panadol is effective for relieving mild to moderate pain from a variety of ailments. We commonly recommend it for:
Headaches and migraines
Muscle aches and back pain
Minor arthritis pain
Fever and flu symptoms like body aches
Menstrual cramps
Toothaches
Are there any side effects or risks?
When taken as directed, Panadol is generally very safe for short-term use. However, possible side effects may include:
Nausea or upset stomach
Diarrhea
Constipation
Dizziness or drowsiness
In rare cases, long term high dosage use or overdose of Panadol can lead to liver damage. Be very careful not to exceed the maximum daily limit. If you experience any serious or persistent side effects, call your doctor right away.
Conclusion
So in closing, Panadol is generally considered a safe and effective over-the-counter pain reliever when used as directed. I recommend using Panadol judiciously for pain relief and fever management. Always follow dosage instructions and seek professional advice when needed.