Panadol Coated 500mg Tablet

Panadol Coated 500mg Tablet is a white, film-coated oral tablet containing paracetamol 500 mg as the active ingredient. Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is one of the most widely used oral analgesic and antipyretic medicines in the world. The tablets are manufactured by GSK, and the coating makes them easier to swallow.

Paracetamol is classed as a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic, and it is not a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which means it does not belong to the same class as ibuprofen or aspirin. It is absorbed quickly from the gut and is processed mainly by the liver, which is why the daily maximum dose is an important safety limit. The tablets are supplied in strips and the pack sizes are shown in the variation options on this page.

Panadol Coated 500mg Tablet is an over-the-counter product sold through DoctorOnCall as an online pharmacy serving customers in Malaysia and Singapore. Please check the label of the pack you receive for the full list of inactive ingredients and for the dosing instructions on the leaflet. Our pharmacist team can answer your questions about dosing, other paracetamol-containing products and suitability before you place an order.

Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water, with or without food. Do not crush or chew the tablets, and do not take them dissolved in other drinks unless the pack states that this is allowed.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above can take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with at least 4 hours between doses and not more than 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 hours. For children under 12 years, speak to a doctor or pharmacist for the correct dose, as the dose depends on weight and age.

Always check the labels of any other medicines you are taking, including cold and flu remedies and prescription pain medicines, because many contain paracetamol and taking them together can lead to an overdose. Use the lowest dose for the shortest time needed and do not use the tablets for longer than stated on the leaflet.

For adults and children aged 12 years and above, take 1 to 2 tablets (500 mg to 1,000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Allow at least 4 hours between doses, and do not exceed 8 tablets (4,000 mg of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period. Adults who weigh less than 50 kg, who drink alcohol regularly or who have liver problems should use a lower maximum dose, as advised by a doctor or pharmacist.

If a dose is missed, take the next dose when needed and keep at least 4 hours between doses; do not take a double dose. For children under 12 years, please ask a doctor or pharmacist for the correct dose. Taking more than the maximum daily dose can cause serious liver damage, even if you feel well, so seek medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected.

Use before the expiry date printed on the strip and outer carton. Keep tablets in their strip until you are ready to take them and do not use any tablet from a damaged or opened strip that looks discoloured or crumbly.

Store at room temperature, 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, as paracetamol overdose in children can be serious.

• Common: Paracetamol is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose, and side effects are uncommon.
• Common: Mild nausea or stomach discomfort in a small number of people.
• Serious: Allergic reaction such as rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat or difficulty breathing; stop use and seek urgent medical care.
• Serious: Severe skin reactions such as blistering, peeling skin or sores in the mouth (for example Stevens-Johnson syndrome); stop use and seek emergency help.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding, persistent sore throat or fever, which can be signs of a blood disorder; seek medical advice promptly.
• Serious: Liver damage after an overdose, which can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, dark urine or yellowing of the skin and eyes; seek emergency medical help even if you feel well.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol or any other ingredient in the tablet.
• Severe liver impairment or active liver disease, unless advised by a doctor.
• Use together with other medicines that contain paracetamol, because of the risk of overdose.
• Use in children under 12 years without advice from a doctor or pharmacist.

• Other paracetamol-containing products, including cold and flu remedies, combination pain medicines and some prescription medicines: taking these together can exceed the maximum daily dose and cause liver damage.
• Warfarin: regular, prolonged use of paracetamol may increase the blood-thinning effect and raise the risk of bleeding; ask your doctor or pharmacist if you take warfarin.
• Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital and rifampicin: these medicines can change how the liver processes paracetamol and may increase the risk of liver toxicity.
• Metoclopramide and domperidone can speed up the absorption of paracetamol, while cholestyramine can reduce it; separate the timing and ask a pharmacist.
• Alcohol: regular heavy alcohol use increases the risk of liver damage with paracetamol; avoid alcohol or limit it while using the tablets.
• Flucloxacillin: rarely, taking this antibiotic together with paracetamol can cause a serious metabolic condition; ask a doctor or pharmacist if you take both.

• Check the strength on the strip, as this product contains 500 mg of paracetamol per tablet, and count the total milligrams you have taken in 24 hours.
• Check the labels of all other medicines you take, including cold and flu products, to make sure they do not also contain paracetamol.
• Keep at least 4 hours between doses and never exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• Store the tablets out of the reach of children and do not leave loose tablets in bags or on bedside tables.
• Do not use the tablets for longer than stated on the leaflet without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.
• If you have liver disease, drink alcohol regularly or have a low body weight, ask a pharmacist for your safe maximum dose.

Precautions: Do not exceed the stated dose and always check other medicines for paracetamol. Use with care and ask a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have liver or kidney disease, drink alcohol regularly, are underweight, malnourished or dehydrated, or take medicines that affect the liver. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use and should use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Keep out of the reach of children, as an overdose in children can be serious. Stop use if a rash or other allergic reaction develops.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist, if a fever lasts more than 3 days, if pain lasts more than 5 days, or if symptoms get worse or new symptoms appear. Seek emergency medical help immediately if you have taken more than the recommended dose, even if you feel well, or if you develop a severe skin reaction, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing. Also seek medical advice if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, unusual bruising or bleeding.