Panadol, also known as paracetamol or acetaminophen, is a member of the miscellaneous analgesics and antipyretics and is used to relief painful conditions such as headache, including tension headaches and migraine, toothache, back pain, muscle ache, dysmenorrhoea, sore throat, for pains and fever relief associated with colds and flu. Also suggested for symptomatic alleviation of pain caused by different arthritis.
What Kind Of Drug Is Panadol?
Panadol is always confused with NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, indomethacin, etc) due to their similarity, however, panadol does not have anti-inflammatory properties like NSAIDs. It is only used for symptomatic relief, not to cure any inflammatory conditions. To clarify this, we need to know that Panadol is actually a brand name, on the other hand, paracetamol and acetaminophen are generic names.
Acetaminophen comes in a variety of brands and formats, where Panadol happens to be one of the well-known in Malaysia’s market. Read the dosage directions for each product carefully because the quantity of acetaminophen in each medication may vary. Do not exceed the prescribed dose of acetaminophen, read the warning sections carefully.
How To Use Panadol?
This medication is commonly used to treat mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, painful menstrual periods, toothaches, back pain, muscles or joints pain, or cold/flu aches and discomfort as well as to relieve fever.
Furthermore, acetaminophen is also one of the common prescriptions used for children, still we need to make sure choosing a child-safe product. On the product package, the appropriate dose can be determined based on the child’s weight, or based on their age instead. Shake the medicine thoroughly before each dosage if it is a suspension. Some liquids may not require shaking before use. Follow all of the instructions on the product packaging. To ensure you have the right dose, use the supplied dose-measuring spoon, dropper, syringe to measure the liquid medicine and avoid using a regular spoon.
For fast-dissolving tablets, chew or allow it to dissolve on the tongue before swallowing with or without water. For chewable pills, chew thoroughly before swallowing to allow better absorption.
For extended-release pills, it is to release the drug slowly in the lower tract, so do not chew or crush while taking, swallow as whole instead. This is to avoid simultaneous release of all medicines from the pills, reducing the likelihood of adverse effects. Moreover, unless the tablets have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist instructs you to do so, do not divide them.
For effervescent pills, dissolve it in the required amount of water before drinking. Pain relievers function best when administered at the first indication of pain. If you wait for your symptoms to worsen, the medicine may not be as effective.
Unless otherwise advised by your doctor, do not use this fever-reliever drug for more than three days. Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, do not use this medicine for more than 10 days in adults and 5 days in children for pain-relief. Consult your doctor right away if your child has a sore throat, particularly if there is a high fever, headache, or nausea and vomiting. Inform your doctor if your symptoms worsens or continues, or if you acquire new symptoms. If you suspect there is any significant medical condition, get immediate medical attention.
Possible Side Effects
Panadol typically has no adverse effects. If you experience any unexpected side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist right away.
If your doctor has prescribed this medicine for you, keep in mind that your doctor has determined that the benefit to you outweighs the risk of adverse effects. Many people who use this medicine do not have significant adverse effects.
It is very uncommon for this medication to cause a severe allergic response. Nonetheless, seek immediate medical attention if you detect any of the following signs of a severe allergic reactions:
- Rash
- Itching
- Swelling (particularly over the face, tongue and throat)
- Dizziness or loss of conscious
- Shortness of breath
This is not the comprehensive list of potential adverse effects. Please do consult your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any other side effects that are not listed above.
