Panadol Extra Tablet

Panadol Extra Tablet is a paracetamol-and-caffeine combination tablet manufactured under the Panadol brand by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare) and sold in Malaysia and Singapore as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product. It is formulated as a film-coated tablet intended to be swallowed whole with water.

Each tablet contains two active ingredients: Paracetamol 500 mg and Caffeine 65 mg. This dual-ingredient formulation distinguishes Panadol Extra Tablet from Panadol’s standard paracetamol-only products, which contain paracetamol as the sole active ingredient without added caffeine.

Panadol Extra Tablet is sold in Malaysia in packs of 12 tablets, and is available without a prescription as an OTC medicine through community pharmacies and licensed online pharmacies such as DoctorOnCall. It is intended for use by adults and children aged 12 years and above.

Swallow the Panadol Extra Tablet whole with a full glass of water; do not crush or chew the tablet. It may be taken with or without food. Wait at least 4 hours between doses, and be mindful of your overall caffeine intake from other sources such as coffee, tea, and energy drinks when using this product, especially later in the day, as it may affect sleep.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above may take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets (4000 mg paracetamol and 520 mg caffeine) in any 24-hour period. Doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but do not double up to make up for a missed dose, and never exceed the maximum daily amount. Self-treatment with Panadol Extra Tablet should generally not continue for more than a few days without medical advice; see a doctor or pharmacist if fever persists beyond 3 days, pain persists beyond 5 days, symptoms worsen, or other concerning symptoms develop.

Store Panadol Extra Tablet below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Mild stomach discomfort or nausea, especially if taken on an empty stomach.
• Common: Mild restlessness, jitteriness, or difficulty sleeping, related to the added caffeine content.
• Common: Mild palpitations or a racing heartbeat if taken in combination with other caffeine sources.
• Serious: Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, or swelling of the face or throat, which need urgent medical attention.
• Serious: Unusual bruising, bleeding, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), which may indicate a rare blood or liver problem and needs prompt medical assessment.
• Serious: Severe skin reactions such as blistering or peeling skin, which require immediate medical care and discontinuation of the product.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol, caffeine, or any other ingredient in Panadol Extra Tablet.
• Severe active liver disease or severe hepatic impairment.
• Conditions where caffeine intake should be limited or avoided, such as certain heart rhythm disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or significant anxiety disorders, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
• Use in children below 12 years of age without medical advice.

• Do not take Panadol Extra Tablet together with any other medicine that also contains paracetamol, including other cold, flu, or fever combination products, as this can lead to accidental paracetamol overdose.
• Do not combine Panadol Extra Tablet with other caffeine-containing medicines, supplements, coffee, tea, or energy drinks in large amounts, as this can lead to excessive caffeine intake causing jitteriness, palpitations, or insomnia.
• Regular or heavy alcohol consumption while taking paracetamol can increase the risk of liver damage; discuss your alcohol intake with a doctor or pharmacist if you use paracetamol regularly.
• People taking warfarin or other blood-thinning medicines should check with a doctor or pharmacist, as regular, frequent paracetamol use may enhance the blood-thinning effect.
• People taking certain medicines for heart rhythm problems, anxiety, or asthma may have their effects altered by caffeine; check with a doctor or pharmacist if you take such medicines regularly.

• Always check the ingredient label of any other medicine you are taking to make sure it does not already contain paracetamol or caffeine.
• Keep track of your total daily caffeine intake from coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other sources while using this product.
• Avoid taking Panadol Extra Tablet close to bedtime if you are sensitive to caffeine or notice it affecting your sleep.
• Take with a full glass of water, and consider taking it with food if you notice stomach discomfort.
• Keep a simple log of dose times if taking multiple doses in a day, to avoid exceeding the 24-hour maximum.
• Keep the pack out of reach of children, and check the expiry date before use.

Acetaminophen

Caffeine

Paracetamol

Precautions: Panadol Extra Tablet should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, and the maximum daily dose of 8 tablets should never be exceeded. People with liver or kidney impairment, those who drink alcohol regularly, and those sensitive to caffeine or with certain heart rhythm or anxiety conditions should check with a doctor or pharmacist before use, given both the paracetamol and caffeine content. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be mindful of their total caffeine intake from all sources and should confirm the appropriate product and dose with a doctor or pharmacist. Always check other medicines being taken to avoid duplicating paracetamol or caffeine from multiple sources.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if fever persists for more than 3 days, if pain persists for more than 5 days, or if symptoms worsen or are accompanied by other concerning signs. Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect you have taken more than the maximum recommended dose, even if you feel well, as paracetamol overdose can cause delayed but serious liver damage. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use if you have liver disease, kidney disease, a heart rhythm disorder, an anxiety disorder, or are especially sensitive to caffeine.