Panadol is one of the most popular over-the-counter medications for the relief of pain and reduction of fever. Well-known primarily because of its active ingredient, paracetamol, commonly referred to as acetaminophen in some countries. Panadol is known for its strength, affordability, and minimal side effects. However, as with any pharmaceutical, it has advantages and disadvantages. In this post, we discuss its composition, forms, applications, advantages, disadvantages, and potential side effects.
Formation and Active Ingredient
Panadol contains paracetamol, which was discovered in 1877 but was only used in its full capacity in the 1950s. Paracetamol is categorized under analgesic and antipyretic-class drugs. Unlike NSAIDs made of ibuprofen and aspirin, paracetamol functions differently: it inhibits the prostaglandins’ production in the brain, a compound that produces and helps in causing pain and fever. However, unlike NSAIDs, paracetamol has very minimal anti-inflammatory activity and hence is much less effective than in the treatment of conditions where inflammation is the major factor.
Panadol comes in several formulations that may also include other inert ingredients to facilitate solubility, ease of administration, or as an agent to control the release of the active ingredient within the body.
Types of Panadol
Panadol is available in a variety of formulations, each serving different patient needs. Here are the main ones:
Panadol Tablets: Most commonly used, it is taken for overall pain relief like headaches, toothaches, and any kind of muscle pain. Each tablet contains 500 mg of paracetamol.
Panadol Extra: In this version, paracetamol is in combination with caffeine. The reason for caffeine use is to increase the pain relief effect that may be presumed with paracetamol along with alertness. This version is usually preferred for headaches and migraines.
Panadol Rapid: The tablet formulation is marketed in a fast-acting version, as the version, Panadol Rapid, dissolves and is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream. The version is appropriate for acute pain, in which the relief, of course, is quicker than that of the conventional version.
Panadol Osteo: This version has been designed for patients who have chronic conditions like osteoarthritis. In this version, the dose is twice as high as that of the conventional paracetamol (665 mg). Its controlled-release preparation offers a longer duration of relief.
Panadol Night: It contains a level of paracetamol mixed with a weak sedative, diphenhydramine, to reduce the pain and help sleep. It is actually most commonly taken for pain in the evening.
Panadol Syrup: It is an oral liquid medicine that can be used in patients that cannot take tablets or in small children. Is also available in flavors for easier use on the palate.
Uses of Panadol
The main use of Panadol is in pain relief and reducing fever. General indications include:
Headaches and migraines: Panadol is always ready to use for relief from tension headaches and minor migraines.
Muscle and Backache: The paracetamol is used for pain associated with musculoskeletal conditions acquired due to strain or injury.
Toothache: The medication helps in relieving tooth pain and discomfort after dental procedures.
Menstrual pain: For women suffering from dysmenorrhea, Panadol is an alternative for pain management that is not brought about through NSAIDs.
Fever reducer: It lowers fever among adults and children.
Osteoarthritis: Long-acting Panadol Osteo is helpful for those patients who have frequent, chronic joint pain.
Advantages of Panadol
Available Over the Counter: Panadol is easily available over the counter and can be found in most pharmacies, supermarkets, and even some convenience stores.
Stomach Friendly: Among other NSAIDs, Panadol does not cause irritation to the stomach lining; hence, it has a much safer impact on patients who are suffering from ulcers or have sensitive stomachs.
It is effective on pains and fever: Panadol can help common aches like headaches, toothaches, and muscle aching. It reduces the fever in an individual effectively.
Formulation in Various Types: Panadol comes in all forms—the children’s syrups and long-last formulas. It ensures that users take their medication regardless of the medical condition they are suffering from.
Few Drug Interactions: As opposed to NSAIDs, paracetamol is less likely to have drug interactions and is hence tolerated well by patients under other medications, including cardiovascular conditions.
Very Safe in Pregnancy: If used as indicated, Panadol is one of the safest analgesic drugs in pregnancy. It does not harm either the mother or the child.
Disadvantages of Panadol
One of the major dangers of Panadol is that it can cause damage to the liver in case of an overdose. Paracetamol toxicity is a significant medical issue when consumed in excess of the supposed dose.
It does not contain anti-inflammatory properties. Unlike NSAIDs, Panadol does not hold anti-inflammatory properties; therefore, it may not respond well with conditions where inflammation is in control, such as arthritis or muscle sprains.
Short-Term Pain Relief: The regular Panadol gives temporary relief for only 4 to 6 hours. One might need repeated dosing if the pain persists for a while.
Chances of Allergic Reactions: Although this side effect is rare, an allergic reaction to paracetamol causes skin rashes, swelling, and sometimes makes it difficult to breathe.
No use for Severe Pain: For surgical or injury-related severe pain, Panadol is usually not strong enough to relieve the pain, so such a patient requires stronger analgesics.
Side effects of Panadol
Although Panadol is considered safe when administered appropriately, still some side effects do exist, and these are usually in the case of long-term administration or overdose. The common ones include:
Nausea and vomiting: This can occur, especially if Panadol is taken on an empty stomach.
Allergic reactions: Though very rare, yet serious, can include skin rash, hives, swelling of the face, or difficulties in breathing.
Liver damage: If high dosages are taken for long periods or taken with pre-existing liver conditions or those who drink alcohol regularly, they could suffer from severe liver damage or failure.
Conclusion
Panadol is a painkiller, most of which are associated with mild to moderate pain. The medication is quite gentle on the stomach and effective for temporary usage for headaches, muscle pains, and fever. However, the drug should be taken strictly according to dosage, as otherwise it may cause liver damage as well as other complications. Though it doesn’t go well with all the conditions, Panadol remains one of the best home remedy drugs for pain relief.
