Active Ingredient
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) 500 mg per tablet
What Panadol 500mg Is Used For
Panadol 500mg tablets provide temporary relief of mild to moderate pain and reduce fever in adults and children over 12 years of age. This medication is indicated for headaches, migraines, muscular aches, back pain, toothache, period pain, rheumatic and arthritic pain, sore throat, and fever associated with colds and flu.
Paracetamol works by blocking pain signals in the central nervous system and acting on the temperature-regulating center in the brain to reduce fever. Based on clinical observations, paracetamol typically begins relieving pain within 30 minutes to 1 hour, with peak effects occurring within 1-3 hours.
Important Safety Information
Who Should NOT Take Panadol 500mg
Do not use this medication if you are allergic to paracetamol or any ingredients in this product, have severe liver disease or liver failure, or are currently taking other medications containing paracetamol.
Serious Warnings and Precautions
Paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, including acute liver failure, if too much is taken. Liver damage from paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of acute liver failure. Never exceed 1000mg (2 tablets) per dose or 4000mg (8 tablets) in 24 hours. Taking more than recommended doses will not provide better pain relief but significantly increases liver damage risk. Check all other medications to ensure they don't contain paracetamol, as it's commonly found in cold, flu, and pain medications.
Drinking alcohol while taking paracetamol significantly increases liver damage risk. If you regularly consume 3 or more alcoholic drinks daily, consult your doctor before using paracetamol.
Contact emergency services immediately if you have taken more than the recommended dose, experience signs of overdose such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, confusion, sweating, abdominal pain, or yellowing of skin or eyes, or if pain persists beyond 10 days or fever beyond 3 days.
Consult Your Doctor Before Use If You Have:
Liver disease, kidney disease, Gilbert's syndrome, are severely underweight or malnourished, regularly take warfarin or blood-thinning medications, have G6PD deficiency, are dehydrated, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have chronic alcoholism.
Common Side Effects
Paracetamol is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. 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, or facial swelling.
Drug Interactions
Paracetamol can interact with warfarin and other anticoagulants, medications that affect the liver including certain antibiotics and anti-seizure medications, metoclopramide, cholestyramine, and isoniazid. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you're taking.
How to Take Panadol 500mg
Adults and children over 12 years should take 1-2 tablets (500-1000mg) 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 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. 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.
In our pharmacists' experience, patients find it helpful to keep a record of when doses are taken to avoid accidental overdosing, read labels carefully on all other medications to identify hidden paracetamol content, and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration necessary.
What You Need to Know Before Starting Treatment
While paracetamol effectively reduces pain and fever, it treats symptoms but not underlying causes. Persistent or severe pain, recurring fever, or worsening symptoms require medical evaluation. Taking pain medication on most days of the week can cause medication-overuse headaches. Paracetamol is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken at recommended doses for short periods, though prolonged use during pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Many over-the-counter cold, flu, sinus, and pain medications contain paracetamol. Always read ingredient labels and calculate total paracetamol intake from all sources to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose.
Storage Instructions
Store at room temperature below 25°C. Keep in original packaging, protected from moisture and direct sunlight. Keep out of reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiration date. 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. Do not exceed 4000mg in 24 hours. If overdose is suspected, call your local poison control center or emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms. Have the medication packaging available, note the time and amount taken, and go to the nearest emergency room even if you feel fine. Treatment with the antidote N-acetylcysteine is most effective when started within 8-10 hours of overdose.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, confusion, abdominal pain, jaundice, dark urine, unusual bleeding, or 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]