Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour)

Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour) is an effervescent, lemon-flavoured tablet formulation of paracetamol, manufactured under the Panadol brand by Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer Healthcare) and sold in Malaysia and Singapore as an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product. Like the original Panadol Soluble Tablet, each tablet is designed to be fully dissolved in a glass of water before drinking, but with an added lemon flavouring for a more palatable taste.

Each tablet contains Paracetamol 500 mg as its active ingredient, together with effervescent excipients such as sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, plus lemon flavouring and a sweetener (commonly aspartame) to give the characteristic citrus taste. This lemon-flavoured variant provides an alternative for people who prefer a flavoured effervescent option, or who find the unflavoured version less palatable, while delivering the same paracetamol dose per tablet as the original Panadol Soluble Tablet.

Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour) is sold in Malaysia in strips, 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.

Drop one or two Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour) tablets into a full glass of water and allow the tablet to dissolve completely before drinking the lemon-flavoured solution; do not chew, crush, or swallow the tablet directly without dissolving it first. The tablet can be taken with or without food. Wait at least 4 hours between doses, and stir gently if needed to help the tablet dissolve fully.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above may take 1 to 2 tablets (500 mg to 1000 mg of paracetamol) dissolved in water every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets (4000 mg of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period, with doses spaced at least 4 hours apart. If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered, but do not double up, and never exceed the maximum daily amount. Self-treatment 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 Soluble (Lemon Flavour) below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, keeping tablets in their original strip until ready for use, since effervescent tablets are sensitive to humidity. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Mild nausea or stomach discomfort, particularly if taken on an empty stomach.
• Common: Mild indigestion related to the effervescent, bicarbonate-based formulation.
• 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.
• 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 or any other ingredient in Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour), including its flavouring or sweetener components.
• Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should check the label, as this lemon-flavoured formulation may contain aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
• Severe active liver disease or severe hepatic impairment.
• Use in individuals on a strict sodium-restricted diet without medical advice, since each effervescent tablet contains a notable amount of sodium bicarbonate.
• Use in children below 12 years of age without medical advice.

• Do not take Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour) 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.
• 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 on a sodium-restricted diet, or with high blood pressure or heart failure, should note that each effervescent tablet contributes additional sodium and should check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use.
• There is no specific food restriction for Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour), and it may be taken with or without food.

• Choose Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour) if you prefer a flavoured effervescent drink over the unflavoured version, while the paracetamol dose per tablet stays the same.
• Check the ingredient label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or are monitoring your intake of artificial sweeteners.
• Use a full glass of water so the tablet dissolves fully and the citrus taste is less concentrated.
• Keep a simple log of dose times if taking multiple doses in a day to avoid exceeding the 24-hour maximum.
• Keep strips sealed until just before use, as effervescent tablets readily absorb moisture from the air.
• Always check other medicines you are taking to make sure none of them already contain paracetamol.

Precautions: Panadol Soluble (Lemon Flavour) should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed, and the maximum daily dose of 8 tablets (4000 mg paracetamol) should never be exceeded. People with liver or kidney impairment, those who drink alcohol regularly, those with phenylketonuria, and those on a sodium-restricted diet should check with a doctor or pharmacist before use, since this effervescent, flavoured formulation contains sodium bicarbonate and may contain aspartame. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised that paracetamol can be considered when needed, but should confirm the appropriate product and dose with a doctor or pharmacist. Always check other medicines being taken to avoid duplicating paracetamol 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, phenylketonuria, regularly drink alcohol, or are on a sodium-restricted diet.