Panadol — Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Price in Pakistan

What Is Panadol?

Panadol is GlaxoSmithKline's brand name for paracetamol (internationally known as acetaminophen). It is Pakistan's most common over-the-counter painkiller and antipyretic (fever-reducing medicine). Millions of Panadol tablets are sold across Pakistan every day.

Panadol — Quick Facts

Generic name	Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Manufacturer	GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Strengths	500 mg, 1000 mg (Panadol 1000), 665 mg (Panadol Extra)
Form	Tablets, syrup (Calpol), suppositories
OTC status	Available without prescription
Price in Pakistan	~10–30 PKR per strip (10 tablets)

What Is Panadol Used For?

1. Fever

Panadol is the safest and most effective medicine to bring down fever. It can be used for viral, bacterial, and dengue fever. In dengue, use only Panadol — never Brufen or Aspirin.

2. Headache

Effective for tension headaches and migraines. It is the first-choice medicine for mild-to-moderate pain.

3. Body Pain

• Muscle aches
• Joint pain (osteoarthritis)
• Back pain
• Period cramps (can alternate with Brufen)

4. Toothache

Effective for mild to moderate dental pain.

5. Post-Surgery Pain

Taken at regular intervals as directed by a doctor.

6. Cold and Flu Symptoms

Useful for body aches, headache, and mild fever associated with colds and flu.

Panadol Dosage

For Adults and Children 12 and Over:

Single dose	500–1000 mg (1–2 tablets of 500 mg, or 1 tablet of 1000 mg)
Frequency	Every 4–6 hours
Maximum per 24 hours	4,000 mg (4 grams) — 8 tablets of 500 mg
Safe on empty stomach?	Yes — unlike Brufen
Onset of action	30–60 minutes
Duration	4–6 hours

For Children (Calpol Syrup):

Dose depends on weight — 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours:

3–6 months (4–7 kg)	2.5 ml Calpol Pediatric Suspension
6–24 months (7–12 kg)	5 ml
2–4 years (12–16 kg)	7.5 ml
4–6 years (16–22 kg)	10 ml
6–8 years	2 teaspoons (10 ml) of regular Calpol 6+
8–12 years	2–3 teaspoons

For babies under 3 months: Only with doctor's guidance. Fever of 100.4°F or above requires immediate emergency care.

Different Forms of Panadol

1. Panadol 500 mg (Standard)

The most common form. Used for fever and mild pain.

2. Panadol 1000 mg

Stronger single dose, taken less frequently.

3. Panadol Extra (500 mg + 65 mg caffeine)

More effective for migraines and tension headaches. Caffeine enhances the painkilling effect.

4. Panadol Cold & Flu

Paracetamol combined with a decongestant and cough suppressant.

5. Calpol Syrup (for Children)

Available in different concentrations: Calpol Pediatric (120 mg/5 ml) and Calpol 6+ (250 mg/5 ml).

Panadol Side Effects

Panadol is very safe at the recommended dose. However:

Common (Mild):

• Nausea or stomach upset (occasional)
• Allergic skin rash (rare)

Serious (from overdose):

• Liver damage / failure — the greatest danger
• Kidney problems
• Anaemia (with long-term high doses)
• Severe allergic reaction (Stevens-Johnson syndrome — very rare)

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Safe in pregnancy — it is the first-line painkiller. Also safe while breastfeeding.

Panadol Overdose — The Biggest Risk

Paracetamol overdose is a common method used in suicide attempts in Pakistan. 10 grams (20 tablets of 500 mg) can cause liver failure.

Symptoms (within 24–72 hours):

• Nausea, vomiting
• Pain in the upper abdomen (liver area)
• Sweating
• Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice — a late sign)
• Confusion

Action:

1. Go immediately to 1122 or the nearest emergency room
2. The antidote (N-acetylcysteine) is effective if given within 8 hours
3. Go to the ER even if you have no symptoms — silent damage can occur

Drug Interactions

Take care with the following medicines and substances:

• Alcohol: Greatly increases the risk of liver damage
• Warfarin (Coumadin): Increases bleeding risk
• Anti-TB drugs (INH, Rifampin): Liver toxicity
• Phenytoin, Carbamazepine: Reduce Panadol's effect

Special Populations

Liver Disease:

Halve the dose in hepatitis or cirrhosis; doctor consultation is essential.

Kidney Disease:

Adjust the dose in severe kidney impairment.

Elderly (65+):

A maximum of 3 grams (6 tablets) per day is safer.

Malnourished Patients:

Lower glutathione levels increase sensitivity — use a lower dose.

Panadol Price in Pakistan

• Panadol 500 mg: ~10–15 PKR per strip of 10
• Panadol 1000 mg: ~25–30 PKR per strip
• Panadol Extra: ~30–40 PKR per strip
• Calpol syrup: ~80–150 PKR per bottle

Generic Alternatives (Same Drug, Lower Cost)

• Hilton (Hilton Pharma)
• Calpol
• Paracetamol generic versions
• Pyromol

All contain the same paracetamol. The price difference between brands reflects marketing and packaging, not quality.

Panadol vs Brufen — Which to Use When?

Panadol	Brufen 400
Fever	Fever
Mild pain	Inflammation + pain
Safe on empty stomach	Take after food
Safe in pregnancy	Avoid in pregnancy (3rd trimester)
Liver risk (overdose)	Stomach ulcer, kidney risk
Safe in dengue	NOT safe in dengue

When to See a Doctor

• You have been using Panadol for more than 3 days without relief
• Fever is 102°F or above and has lasted more than 3 days
• Pain is worsening despite the medicine
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Allergic reaction (rash, swelling)
• A child has had a fever for more than 3 days
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding and need ongoing pain relief

Conclusion

Panadol is Pakistan's safest and most widely used painkiller when taken at the recommended dose. For adults: 500–1000 mg every 4–6 hours, maximum 4 grams per day. For children, use Calpol syrup dosed by weight. Overdose can cause liver failure — do not exceed 4 grams in 24 hours. Use Ilaaj AI for AI symptom checking and doctor verification in just a few minutes.