Panadol Children Chewable Tablet (Cherry Flavour)

Panadol Children Chewable Tablet (Cherry Flavour) is a paediatric oral medicine from the Panadol range, containing paracetamol (acetaminophen) 120 mg as its active ingredient in a chewable tablet formulated and flavoured with cherry to make it easier for children to take. It is manufactured by Haleon (Panadol) and is one of several dosage forms in the Panadol Children line sold in Malaysia, alongside the liquid Panadol Children suspensions.

This product belongs to the paracetamol/acetaminophen class of medicines and is classified as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product, meaning it is available from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription, though caregivers are still encouraged to check with a pharmacist before giving it to a child for the first time. It is supplied in Malaysia in a carton of 24 chewable tablets.

Compared with the suspension forms of Panadol Children, this chewable tablet format does not require measuring a liquid dose and can be chewed directly, or dissolved in a small amount of water or fruit juice for younger children who find chewing tablets difficult, making it a convenient alternative dosage form for households that prefer a tablet-based option for children from about 1 to 12 years of age.

Panadol Children Chewable Tablet (Cherry Flavour) is taken by mouth. The tablet can be chewed and swallowed directly, or, for younger children who may find chewing difficult, it can be crushed or allowed to dissolve in a small amount of water or fruit juice before it is given.

It may be given with or without food. Always use the age-based dosing chart printed on the product label or carton to determine the correct number of tablets for your child’s age, rather than estimating.

The printed dosing chart for this product is generally banded by age: children aged 1-3 years are typically given 1 tablet per dose, 4-6 years 2 tablets per dose, 7-9 years 3 tablets per dose, and 10-12 years 4 tablets per dose, taken as needed up to 4 times in 24 hours, leaving at least 4 hours between doses.

This product is not intended for children under 1 year old. As with all paracetamol products, the total daily dose should not exceed the equivalent of approximately 60 mg per kg of body weight per day, so caregivers with a child at the lighter or heavier end of an age band should confirm the correct dose with a pharmacist or doctor rather than relying on age alone.

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as remembered unless it is nearly time for the next dose, in which case skip the missed dose – do not double up. Stop self-treating and see a doctor or pharmacist if fever lasts more than 3 days, pain lasts more than 5 days, symptoms worsen, or the child develops new symptoms.

Use before the expiry date printed on the carton and blister strip. Do not use this product beyond that date.

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original blister packaging until ready to use, and keep the product out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Paracetamol at recommended doses is generally well tolerated, and side effects in children are uncommon.
• Common: Mild stomach discomfort or nausea 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, difficulty breathing, or wheezing, 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 vomiting, require urgent medical assessment.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol or any other ingredient in this product.
• Children under 1 year of age, unless directed by a doctor.
• Severe active liver disease.
• Children already taking another paracetamol-containing medicine, to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose.

• Do not give 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.
• Children taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines should use paracetamol under medical supervision, as prolonged regular use may enhance the anticoagulant effect.
• Children 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.
• No specific food interactions are known; the tablet may be given with or without food, or dissolved in water or fruit juice.

• Always check the age-based dosing chart on the pack before giving a dose, rather than estimating.
• For children who cannot chew tablets comfortably, dissolve the tablet in a small amount of water or fruit juice.
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses and do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Check any other medicine your child is taking to make sure it does not already contain paracetamol.
• Keep a simple written record of the time and dose given, especially if more than one caregiver is involved.
• Store the tablets out of sight and reach of children, as the cherry flavour can make them attractive to young children.

Precautions: Use only the age-appropriate dose stated on the pack, and do not give this product to a child under 1 year old unless advised by a doctor. Children with existing liver or kidney conditions, or who are taking other regular medicines, should be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist before use. Always check that no other medicine already being given to the child contains paracetamol.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if your child’s fever lasts more than 3 days, if pain lasts more than 5 days, if symptoms worsen, if the child shows signs of an allergic reaction such as rash or swelling, or if you suspect an overdose has been taken. Paracetamol overdose can be serious even if the child initially appears well, so contact a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency services promptly.