Panadol 650mg Tablet

Panadol 650mg Tablet is a higher-strength adult paracetamol caplet from the Panadol range, with each tablet containing 650 mg of paracetamol (acetaminophen) as its sole active ingredient. It is manufactured by Haleon (Panadol) and sold in Malaysia in a strip pack of 8 tablets.

This is a paracetamol-based OTC (Over-the-Counter) medicine for adults, available from pharmacies without a prescription. Its 650 mg strength is higher than the standard 500 mg Panadol caplet, meaning fewer tablets are needed to reach an equivalent total paracetamol dose.

Because each tablet already contains 650 mg, the maximum number of tablets that can be taken in a day is lower than for the 500 mg strength, and care is needed not to confuse the dosing of these two strengths. It is supplied as a caplet designed to be swallowed whole with water.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water, preferably after a meal to reduce the chance of stomach discomfort. Do not crush or chew the tablet.

Adults: take 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours as needed for pain or fever, up to a maximum of 4 tablets (2,600 mg of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

This higher-strength (650 mg) tablet is intended for adults; it is not intended for children, who should be given a paediatric-strength Panadol product instead.

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose – do not double up to make up for a missed dose. Stop self-treating and consult a doctor if fever persists beyond 3 days, pain persists beyond 5 days, or symptoms worsen.

Use before the expiry date printed on the strip or carton.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, in the original packaging. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Paracetamol at recommended doses is generally well tolerated.
• Common: Mild nausea or stomach discomfort has been reported occasionally.
• Serious: Skin rash, hives, or itching may indicate an allergic reaction and should be reported to a doctor or pharmacist.
• Serious: Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing, require immediate emergency medical attention.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding (a rare sign of a blood disorder) should be reported to a doctor promptly.
• Serious: Signs of liver problems from excessive or prolonged use, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea and vomiting, require urgent medical assessment.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol or any other ingredient in this product.
• Children (this strength is intended for adults only).
• Severe active liver disease.
• Anyone already taking another paracetamol-containing medicine, to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose.

• Do not take this product together with any other medicine that already contains paracetamol/acetaminophen, including other cold, flu, cough, or fever combination products, as this can lead to an accidental paracetamol overdose – the risk is higher with this 650 mg strength because each tablet already carries a large dose.
• People taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines should use paracetamol under medical supervision, as prolonged regular use may enhance the anticoagulant effect.
• People on long-term treatment with certain anti-epileptic medicines such as carbamazepine or phenytoin, or with rifampicin, may be at higher risk of liver effects with paracetamol and should be assessed by a doctor first.
• Regular heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver damage when taking paracetamol.
• No specific food interactions are known; the tablet may be taken with or without food, and taking it after a meal may help reduce stomach discomfort.

• Take after a meal if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Do not exceed 4 tablets (2,600 mg of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period.
• Check any other medicine you are taking to make sure it does not already contain paracetamol.
• Remember this tablet is stronger than the standard 500 mg Panadol caplet, so do not dose it the same way.
• Keep track of the time of each dose to avoid dosing too close together.
• Avoid regular heavy alcohol use while taking this product.

Precautions: People with existing liver conditions, those who consume alcohol regularly and heavily, and those who are malnourished or of low body weight should seek medical advice before using this higher-strength product, as they may be more susceptible to paracetamol-related liver effects. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before use. Always check that no other medicine you are taking already contains paracetamol.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if fever lasts more than 3 days, if pain lasts more than 5 days, if symptoms worsen, if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, or if you suspect an overdose has been taken. Because each tablet contains a higher amount of paracetamol, an accidental overdose can occur more easily than with the standard 500 mg strength, so contact a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency services promptly if in doubt.