Active Ingredients
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, and Caffeine
What Panadol CF Day Tablets Are Used For
Panadol CF Day Tablets are a non-drowsy combination medication formulated specifically for daytime use, providing fast, effective relief of multiple cold and flu symptoms in adults and children over 12 years of age. This medication is indicated for:
- Fever associated with colds and flu
- Headaches and sinus headaches
- Body aches and muscle pain
- Sore throat
- Nasal and sinus congestion
Paracetamol reduces fever and relieves pain by blocking pain signals and acting on the brain's temperature-regulating center. Phenylephrine works as a decongestant by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, reducing swelling and improving airflow through congested sinuses. Caffeine enhances the pain-relieving effects of paracetamol and contributes to the non-drowsy profile of this formulation, helping you stay alert during the day while managing symptoms. Together, these three ingredients target the most disruptive cold and flu symptoms simultaneously, allowing patients to maintain normal daytime activities during illness.
Important Safety Information
Who Should NOT Take Panadol CF Day Tablets
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to paracetamol, phenylephrine, caffeine, or any other ingredients in this product, have severe liver disease or liver failure, are currently taking other medications containing paracetamol, decongestants, or caffeine, have severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure or severe coronary artery disease, are taking or have taken monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days, have narrow-angle glaucoma, or are highly sensitive to caffeine or have been advised by your doctor to avoid it.
Serious Warnings and Precautions
Liver Damage Risk: Paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, including acute liver failure, if too much is taken or if taken too frequently. Never exceed the recommended dose. Many over-the-counter cold, flu, sinus, and pain medications also contain paracetamol. Taking multiple such products simultaneously can easily lead to accidental overdose without realizing it. Always check all medications you are taking before adding this product.
Drinking alcohol while taking paracetamol significantly increases your risk of liver damage. If you regularly consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks per day, consult your doctor before using this medication.
Decongestant Warnings: Phenylephrine can raise blood pressure and increase heart rate. Do not use this product if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart disease, coronary artery disease, or irregular heartbeat without consulting your doctor first. Do not use decongestants for more than 7 consecutive days, as prolonged use can cause rebound congestion where nasal symptoms return and worsen once the medication is stopped.
Caffeine Warnings: Each dose of Panadol CF Day contains caffeine, which contributes to its non-drowsy effect. However, caffeine can cause nervousness, restlessness, irritability, and sleep disturbances, particularly in people sensitive to it. Limit consumption of other caffeine-containing products including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain soft drinks while taking this medication to avoid excessive caffeine intake. Avoid taking this medication in the late afternoon or evening as it may interfere with sleep.
Contact emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately if you have taken more than the recommended dose, experience signs of overdose including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, sweating, or abdominal pain, develop chest pain or a rapid and irregular heartbeat, experience severe dizziness or severe headache, if fever persists for more than 3 days or exceeds 39.5°C, or if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
Consult Your Doctor Before Use If You Have:
High blood pressure or heart disease, diabetes, thyroid disease or hyperthyroidism, liver disease or impaired liver function, kidney disease, anxiety disorders or panic disorder, caffeine sensitivity or insomnia, stomach ulcers or digestive problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have Gilbert's syndrome, are severely underweight or malnourished, regularly take warfarin or other blood-thinning medications, have G6PD deficiency, or are taking any medications for depression, psychiatric conditions, or heart problems.
Common Side Effects
When used as directed, Panadol CF Day Tablets are generally well-tolerated. However, some people may experience nervousness or restlessness from the caffeine and decongestant components, mild increase in heart rate or blood pressure, difficulty sleeping if taken too late in the day, nausea or mild digestive upset, dry mouth or throat, dizziness or lightheadedness, or headache. Serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention. Stop use and seek emergency care if you develop difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions, facial or throat swelling, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, or severe dizziness.
Drug Interactions
This combination medication can interact with several medications. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them within the past 14 days, other cold, flu, sinus, or allergy medications containing paracetamol, decongestants, or caffeine, blood pressure medications, warfarin or other anticoagulants, medications that affect the liver, antidepressants particularly MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants, stimulant medications, medications for heart conditions or irregular heartbeat, diabetes medications, certain antibiotics including ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin (which can increase caffeine levels in the blood), or any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
How to Take Panadol CF Day Tablets
Adults and children over 12 years should follow the specific dosing instructions on the product packaging. Typically, take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed for symptom relief. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose specified on the packaging. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water. Can be taken with or without food, though taking with food may help if stomach upset occurs. Space doses at least 4 hours apart and avoid taking doses close to bedtime due to the caffeine content.
Do not use this medication for more than 7 consecutive days for nasal congestion or more than 3 days for fever without consulting a doctor. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice rather than continuing to self-medicate.
Based on our pharmacists' experience, patients find it most effective to take Panadol CF Day Tablets at the first sign of worsening symptoms rather than waiting until symptoms become severe. Patients should carefully read labels of all other medications being taken simultaneously, as accidental paracetamol and caffeine overlap is particularly common with cold and flu products. Monitoring total daily caffeine intake from all sources including beverages and medications is strongly advisable, particularly for patients sensitive to caffeine's stimulating effects. Those with high blood pressure should check their blood pressure regularly while using this product.
What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment
Panadol CF Day Tablets treat symptoms but not the underlying viral infection causing your cold or flu. The medication will not shorten the duration of illness. Rest, adequate fluid intake, and good nutrition remain essential alongside medication for recovery.
Most colds and flu resolve within 7-10 days. Seek medical attention if fever persists beyond 3 days or keeps returning after improvement, symptoms worsen significantly after initial improvement, you develop a severe or unusual headache, experience difficulty breathing or chest pain, develop persistent vomiting, or if symptoms do not begin to improve after 7 days of treatment.
Caffeine Content Considerations: Each dose contains caffeine equivalent to approximately half a cup of coffee per tablet. While this supports the non-drowsy profile and enhances pain relief, it is not suitable for individuals advised to limit caffeine, those with anxiety or sleep disorders, or for use late in the day. Regular use of caffeine-containing medications can lead to caffeine dependence, and sudden discontinuation may cause withdrawal symptoms including headache, fatigue, and irritability.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Decongestants are generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as they may reduce blood flow to the placenta. The caffeine content also requires careful consideration, as most healthcare providers recommend limiting total caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200mg per day. Consult your healthcare provider before using this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Many over-the-counter medications contain paracetamol, caffeine, or decongestants. Never take more than one product containing these ingredients simultaneously. Always read labels carefully on all cold, flu, sinus, pain, and allergy products before combining them with Panadol CF Day Tablets.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature below 25°C, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep in original packaging until ready to use. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the package. Dispose of expired or unused medication responsibly.
Accidental Overdose Information
Paracetamol overdose is a medical emergency. Even if you feel well after taking too much, serious liver damage can develop over 24-72 hours without immediate treatment. Decongestant overdose can cause severe increases in blood pressure, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and seizures. Excessive caffeine can cause heart palpitations, severe anxiety, tremors, and in extreme cases, dangerous cardiac events.
If overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or emergency services immediately without waiting for symptoms to appear. Have the medication packaging available, note the time of overdose and the total amount taken including all other medications consumed in the past 24 hours, and go to the nearest emergency room even if you feel fine. Treatment for paracetamol overdose with N-acetylcysteine is most effective when started within 8-10 hours.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, confusion, abdominal pain particularly in the upper right side, jaundice, dark urine, chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, severe dizziness, tremors, or seizures.
Manufacturer Information
[Manufacturer name and details would be inserted here based on your specific product]
Regulatory Status: This medication is available over-the-counter for adults and children over 12 years of age.
Medical Review Notice: This product information should be reviewed by a licensed pharmacist or physician to ensure clinical accuracy and compliance with current prescribing guidelines. Patients should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.
Last Updated: [2.April.2026]