Active Ingredients
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg + Caffeine 65 mg per tablet
What Panadol Extra Is Used For
Panadol Extra provides fast, effective relief of mild to moderate pain and fever in adults and children over 12 years of age. The combination of paracetamol and caffeine is indicated for headaches, migraines, cold and flu symptoms including fever and sore throat, toothaches, muscle pain, menstrual cramps, back pain, and rheumatic pain.
Paracetamol reduces pain and fever by blocking pain signals and acting on the brain's temperature-regulating center. Caffeine enhances paracetamol's pain-relieving effects and may help the body absorb paracetamol more quickly, resulting in faster onset of action. Clinical studies show that paracetamol combined with caffeine provides approximately 40% greater pain relief than paracetamol alone for certain types of pain, particularly headaches and migraines.
Important Safety Information
Who Should NOT Take Panadol Extra
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to paracetamol, caffeine, or any ingredients in this product, have severe liver disease or liver failure, are currently taking other medications containing paracetamol or acetaminophen, or are highly sensitive to caffeine or have been advised to avoid caffeine by your doctor.
Serious Warnings and Precautions
Paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, including acute liver failure requiring transplantation or resulting in death, if too much is taken or if taken too frequently. Never exceed 1000mg paracetamol (2 tablets) per dose or 4000mg (8 tablets) in 24 hours. Taking more than the recommended dose will not provide better pain relief but significantly increases the risk of serious liver damage. Check all other medications you are taking to ensure they do not also contain paracetamol, as it is found in many over-the-counter cold, flu, sinus, and pain medications.
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 taking paracetamol. Do not take paracetamol after heavy alcohol consumption.
Caffeine-Related Warnings: The caffeine in this product may cause sleep disturbances, nervousness, irritability, anxiety, or rapid heartbeat, particularly in people sensitive to caffeine or when taken later in the day. Limit consumption of other caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, energy drinks, chocolate, and certain soft drinks while taking this medication to avoid excessive caffeine intake. Excessive caffeine can cause restlessness, tremor, heart palpitations, and difficulty sleeping.
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, abdominal pain, or yellowing of skin or eyes, if pain persists for more than 10 days, if fever persists for more than 3 days or exceeds 39.5°C, or if new symptoms appear or existing symptoms worsen significantly.
Consult Your Doctor Before Use If You Have:
Liver disease or impaired liver function, kidney disease or reduced kidney function, heart conditions including irregular heartbeat or high blood pressure, anxiety disorders or panic disorder, caffeine sensitivity, difficulty sleeping or insomnia, stomach ulcers or digestive problems, are pregnant or breastfeeding (particularly regarding caffeine intake), have Gilbert's syndrome, are severely underweight or malnourished, regularly take warfarin or other blood-thinning medications, have G6PD deficiency, or take medications that interact with caffeine.
Common Side Effects
Paracetamol is generally well-tolerated when used as directed. The caffeine component may cause restlessness, nervousness, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, stomach upset, or headaches (particularly upon discontinuation after regular use). Some people may experience nausea, mild digestive upset, or allergic reactions including rash, itching, or hives.
Serious allergic reactions are rare but require immediate medical attention. Stop use and seek emergency care if you develop difficulty breathing, severe skin reactions, blistering, facial or throat swelling, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
Drug Interactions
Paracetamol and caffeine can interact with several medications. Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking warfarin or other anticoagulants, medications that affect the liver including certain antibiotics and anti-seizure medications (phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital), medications containing caffeine or stimulants, certain antidepressants (MAO inhibitors), bronchodilators (theophylline), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin), medications for heart rhythm problems, sleeping pills or sedatives, or any prescription or over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements.
How to Take Panadol Extra
Adults and children over 12 years should take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 2 tablets at once or more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. 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. Avoid taking close to bedtime as the caffeine content may interfere with sleep.
For pain, do not use for more than 10 consecutive days without consulting a doctor. For fever, do not use for more than 3 consecutive days without consulting a doctor. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical advice rather than continuing to self-medicate.
Based on our pharmacists' observations, patients managing headaches or migraines often achieve better results when taking Panadol Extra at the first sign of pain rather than waiting for pain to intensify. Patients should avoid taking this medication in the late afternoon or evening if they are sensitive to caffeine, as it may interfere with sleep. Those who regularly consume coffee or energy drinks should monitor their total daily caffeine intake to avoid excessive consumption, which can cause jitteriness, anxiety, or sleep disturbances.
What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment
While Panadol Extra effectively reduces pain and fever, it treats symptoms but not underlying causes. Persistent or severe pain, recurring fever, or worsening symptoms require medical evaluation to identify and treat the underlying condition. Taking pain medication on most days of the week can paradoxically cause medication-overuse headaches. If you need pain relief more than 2-3 days per week regularly, consult your doctor about alternative treatment approaches.
Caffeine Content Considerations: Each tablet contains 65mg of caffeine, equivalent to approximately half a cup of coffee. Two tablets contain 130mg of caffeine, similar to a standard cup of coffee. While this enhances pain relief, it also means this product may not be suitable for evening use or for people with caffeine sensitivity, anxiety disorders, or sleep problems. 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: Paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy when taken at recommended doses for short periods. However, the caffeine content requires additional consideration. Most healthcare providers recommend limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy to less than 200mg per day. Caffeine also passes into breast milk and may affect nursing infants. Consult your healthcare provider before using this medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Combination Products: Many over-the-counter medications contain paracetamol. Cold and flu medications, sinus medications, pain relievers, and sleep aids frequently include paracetamol. Some products also contain additional caffeine. Always read ingredient labels carefully and calculate total paracetamol and caffeine intake from all sources to avoid exceeding safe limits.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature below 25°C. Keep in original packaging until ready to use, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep in a dry place. Keep out of reach and sight of children, as paracetamol overdose can be fatal. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the package. Do not transfer tablets to other containers. Dispose of expired or unused medication responsibly.
Accidental Overdose Information
Paracetamol overdose is a medical emergency requiring immediate treatment. Even if you feel well after taking too much, serious liver damage can develop over 24-72 hours. Early treatment with the antidote N-acetylcysteine can prevent liver failure, but it is most effective when started within 8-10 hours of overdose. Do not exceed 4000mg paracetamol in 24 hours.
If overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Have the medication packaging available to provide specific information. Note the time of overdose and total amount taken, including any other medications taken in the past 24 hours. Do not attempt to make yourself vomit unless specifically instructed by medical professionals. Go to the nearest emergency room even if you feel fine, as liver damage may not be immediately apparent.
Symptoms of paracetamol overdose may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, confusion, abdominal pain especially in the upper right side, jaundice, dark urine or pale stools, unusual bleeding or bruising, and extreme tiredness. These symptoms often appear 12-24 hours after ingestion.
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]