Biogesic Tablet

Biogesic Tablet is an oral tablet that contains paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) 500 mg as its single active ingredient. It is supplied in a pack of 20 tablets and is listed in DoctorOnCall’s over-the-counter range for adults and older children. Each tablet carries the same 500 mg strength, so the number of tablets taken determines the dose. Always check the strength printed on the pack before you take it.

Paracetamol belongs to the group of medicines known as analgesics and antipyretics, and it is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It has little effect on the stomach lining compared with NSAIDs, and it is processed mainly by the liver before being passed out in the urine. The liver can only handle a limited amount at one time, and taking more than the stated maximum can seriously damage it, sometimes without early warning signs. For this reason, the daily limit on the label must never be exceeded.

Many other products also contain paracetamol, including cold and flu tablets, sachets, and some prescription combinations, so taking several products together can lead to an accidental overdose. Younger children need a dose based on their weight and age, and a paediatric formulation is more suitable for children under 6 years. The DoctorOnCall pharmacist team can go through the label with you if you are unsure whether this tablet fits your situation. Keep the original pack so that the strength and expiry date stay visible.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. It can be taken with or without food, and taking it with food is fine if you find that your stomach is sensitive. Leave at least 4 hours between doses, and do not take more than the maximum number of tablets in 24 hours.

Check the labels of any other medicines you are taking for paracetamol or acetaminophen, and never take two paracetamol-containing products at the same time. If a dose is missed, simply take the next dose when it is due; do not double up.

Adults and children above 12 years: 1 to 2 tablets (500 mg to 1,000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 hours. Children aged 6 to 12 years: half to 1 tablet (250 mg to 500 mg) every 4 to 6 hours, up to 4 doses in 24 hours, only as advised by a doctor or pharmacist. Children under 6 years should use a paediatric paracetamol formulation dosed by weight.

Do not use the tablets for more than 3 days for fever or more than 5 days for pain without medical advice. If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately even if you feel well, because liver damage can develop later.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of the reach of children.

• Common: mild nausea or an upset stomach (uncommon at normal doses).
• Common: mild skin rash or itching. Stop taking the tablets if the rash spreads.
• Serious: severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling skin, or sores in the mouth and eyes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis). These can become life-threatening and need urgent medical care.
• Serious: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing (angioedema or anaphylaxis). This is a severe allergic reaction and needs emergency care.
• Serious: yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe upper abdominal pain, or persistent vomiting. These can signal liver injury, particularly after an overdose, and need urgent medical care.
• Serious: unusual bruising, bleeding, or frequent infections. These are rare but can signal changes in blood cell counts.

• Known allergy (hypersensitivity) to paracetamol or to any other ingredient in the tablet.
• Severe liver impairment or active liver disease.
• Children under 6 years of age for this 500 mg tablet, because the strength is too high for them.

• Other paracetamol-containing products, such as cold and flu tablets and some prescription combinations: taking them together can lead to an accidental overdose, so check every label.
• Warfarin: regular use of higher doses of paracetamol over several days can increase the blood-thinning effect, so a doctor may need to monitor blood tests.
• Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, rifampicin, and isoniazid: these can increase the risk of liver injury from paracetamol, so speak to a pharmacist before combining them.
• Cholestyramine: it can reduce the absorption of paracetamol, so take the tablet at least 1 hour before it.
• Alcohol: regular heavy drinking increases the risk of liver injury with paracetamol, so avoid alcohol while you are taking it.

• Count the total number of tablets you have taken in 24 hours, including any in combined cold and flu products.
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses, and set a phone reminder if you take several doses in a day.
• Choose a paediatric formulation for young children, since the dose is based on weight and age.
• Keep the tablets in their blister until you need them, so that the strength and expiry date stay readable.
• Avoid alcohol while taking paracetamol, particularly if you drink regularly.
• Keep the pack out of reach of children, because paracetamol overdose in children can be dangerous.

Precautions: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Biogesic Tablet if you have liver or kidney disease, drink alcohol regularly, are underweight or malnourished, or take warfarin, anti-seizure medicines, rifampicin, or isoniazid. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, get professional advice first. Do not give this 500 mg tablet to children under 6 years. Never exceed the maximum daily amount, and always check other medicines for paracetamol.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Get emergency medical help straight away if you think you have taken too much paracetamol, even if you feel well, or if you develop swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, or a skin rash with blisters or peeling. See a doctor if a fever lasts more than 3 days, pain lasts more than 5 days, or symptoms return often. A pharmacist can also help if you are unsure about combining this tablet with other medicines you take.