Panadol Soluble Tablet

Panadol Soluble Tablet is an effervescent, water-soluble 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. Unlike standard swallowed tablets, each Panadol Soluble Tablet is designed to be dissolved completely in a glass of water before drinking, producing an effervescent solution.

Each tablet contains Paracetamol 500 mg as its active ingredient, together with excipients such as sodium bicarbonate and citric acid that create the characteristic fizzing reaction when the tablet is placed in water, along with a sweetener to improve palatability. This effervescent format is intended for people who have difficulty swallowing whole tablets or caplets, and the dissolved solution is generally absorbed into the body more rapidly than a solid tablet.

Panadol Soluble Tablet is sold in Malaysia in strips, typically packed 4 tablets per strip, and is available without a prescription as an OTC medicine from 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 Tablets into a full glass of water and allow the tablet to dissolve completely before drinking the 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. 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 do not exceed the maximum daily amount. Self-treatment with Panadol Soluble Tablet should generally not continue for more than a few days without medical advice; see a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms persist beyond 3 days (or 5 days for pain), worsen, or are accompanied by other concerning symptoms.

Use Panadol Soluble Tablet before the expiry date printed on the strip and outer carton. Do not use tablets beyond this date, and discard the prepared solution after drinking; do not save a dissolved solution for later use.

Store Panadol Soluble Tablet below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and keep the tablets in their original strip until ready for use to protect them from humidity, since effervescent tablets are sensitive to moisture. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Nausea or mild stomach discomfort, especially 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, 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 or any other ingredient in Panadol Soluble Tablet.
• Severe active liver disease or severe hepatic impairment.
• Use in individuals on a strict sodium-restricted or low-sodium diet without first checking with a doctor, since each effervescent tablet contains a notable amount of sodium bicarbonate.
• Use in children below 12 years of age without medical advice, as this formulation and dose is intended for adults and adolescents.

• Do not take Panadol Soluble 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.
• 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 be aware 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 Tablet, and it may be taken with or without food.

• Always check the ingredient label of any other medicine you are taking to make sure it does not already contain paracetamol.
• Use a full glass of water to help the tablet dissolve completely and make it easier to drink.
• Keep a simple log of dose times if you are taking multiple doses in a day, to avoid exceeding the 24-hour maximum.
• Keep strips sealed until just before use, since effervescent tablets can absorb moisture from the air.
• Do not use a tablet that looks discoloured, crumbled, or that fails to fizz normally when placed in water.
• If you have kidney problems, liver problems, or are on a low-sodium diet, ask a pharmacist whether this effervescent formulation is suitable for you.

Precautions: Panadol Soluble Tablet 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, and those on a sodium-restricted diet should check with a doctor or pharmacist before use, since the effervescent formulation contains sodium bicarbonate. Pregnant and breastfeeding women are generally advised that paracetamol can be considered when needed, but should still 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, regularly drink alcohol, or are on a sodium-restricted diet.