Panadol 500mg Tablet (Paracetamol)

Quick Answer: Panadol 500mg Tablet contains Paracetamol, used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and fever such as headaches, muscle aches, and toothache. It is an over-the-counter medicine, taken as 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets (4g) in 24 hours for adults. It costs around Rs. 34.50 per strip at Dawa Healthcare in Pakistan, though prices can change.

Key Takeaways

•          Active Ingredient: Paracetamol 500mg per tablet

•          Main Use: short-term relief of mild to moderate pain and fever

•          Dose: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, maximum 8 tablets (4g) in 24 hours for adults

•          Access: no prescription needed, available over the counter

•          Price: around Rs. 34.50 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change

📋 Product Specifications

How Panadol Works

Paracetamol is thought to act mainly in the central nervous system, reducing pain signals and acting on the brain's temperature-regulating centre to lower fever. It has minimal anti-inflammatory activity compared with NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Follow the recommended dose stated on the pack and in this document.

Panadol Uses

Panadol 500mg Tablet is used for:

•          Pain Relief: headaches, migraine, muscle aches, joint pain (osteoarthritis), toothache, and period pain

•          Fever Reduction: fever associated with colds, flu, and other common infections

•          Minor Injuries & Sore Throat: easing discomfort from minor injuries and sore throat

Panadol is intended for short-term, symptomatic relief. It should not be used for chronic or persistent pain without consulting a doctor, since ongoing pain may need a different diagnosis or treatment plan.

Who Should Use Panadol

Panadol 500mg Tablet is generally suitable for adults and children over 12 years old (check the label for child-specific dosing) who need short-term relief from mild to moderate pain or fever and have no known liver problems or allergy to paracetamol.

🚫 Who Should Avoid It

Avoid Panadol, or use only under medical advice, if you have severe liver disease or impaired liver function, a known allergy to paracetamol or any tablet component, or a history of chronic alcohol use, since this increases the risk of liver damage. People with a body weight under 50kg, malnutrition, dehydration, or chronic alcohol dependency should also seek medical advice before use, as should anyone already taking another paracetamol-containing product, to avoid accidental overdose.

Can It Be Taken Long Term?

Panadol is intended for short-term or occasional use. It should not be taken continuously for more than a few days for pain, or 3 days for fever, without consulting a doctor, since persistent symptoms may need a different diagnosis, and prolonged high-dose use raises the risk of liver damage.

💊 How to Take Panadol (Dosage)

Adults and children over 12 years: take 1-2 tablets (500mg-1000mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a full glass of water. Do not take more than 8 tablets (4g) in 24 hours, and leave at least 4 hours between doses.

Do not take with other paracetamol-containing medicines, including cold and flu remedies, to avoid exceeding the daily limit. If pain or fever persists for more than 3 days, or worsens, stop and consult a doctor.

Missed Dose: Panadol is generally taken as needed rather than on a fixed schedule, so a "missed dose" typically doesn't apply. Take a dose when pain or fever returns, respecting the minimum 4-hour gap and 24-hour maximum.

⚠️ Side Effects - What to Expect

Panadol is generally well tolerated when taken within the recommended dose. Side effects are uncommon but can include:

•          Nausea or stomach upset (uncommon at normal doses)

•          Skin rash or allergic reaction (rare)

•          Blood disorders with very long-term, high-dose use (rare)

Overdose is the most serious risk with paracetamol and can cause serious liver damage, sometimes without early symptoms. Symptoms of overdose can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, jaundice. This is a medical emergency and needs immediate treatment even if the person feels well, since liver damage can develop after a delay. Seek emergency medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

🛡️ Precautions and Drug Interactions

•          Other Paracetamol Products: check the ingredients of other medicines (cold/flu remedies, other painkillers) before combining, since many contain paracetamol and doubling up raises overdose risk

•          Warfarin: regular, prolonged use of paracetamol may enhance the blood-thinning effect of warfarin; tell your doctor if you take warfarin regularly

•          Alcohol: regular or heavy alcohol use increases the risk of liver damage when combined with paracetamol

•          Existing Conditions: mention any history of liver or kidney disease to your doctor or pharmacist before regular use

❄️ Storage

Store Panadol Tablets below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep in the original packaging until use. Keep out of reach and sight of children, since paracetamol overdose in children is a common and serious accidental poisoning risk.

💰 Panadol 500mg Price in Pakistan

The Panadol 500mg Tablet price in Pakistan is around Rs. 34.50 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice. Buy genuine Panadol online from Dawa Healthcare with fast delivery in Karachi and nationwide.

For related products, explore our Medicine category, or read wellness tips on our Health & Wellness Blog.

🔄 Panadol vs Other Paracetamol Brands (Calpol/ Fevamol)

Panadol, Calpol, and Fevamol all contain the same active ingredient, Paracetamol 500mg, and work the same way in the body. The difference between them is brand and manufacturer rather than the medicine itself. All are used for the same short-term pain and fever relief, at the same standard adult dosing. Panadol is the internationally recognised GSK/Haleon brand, while Calpol and Fevamol are alternative Pakistani-manufactured paracetamol brands, often available at a lower price point. Your pharmacist can advise whether a generic alternative is suitable if cost is a factor.

For an alternative paracetamol brand, see Calpol 500mg Tab 200S and Fevamol Tab 500mg 200S. Explore the full range on our Medicine category page.

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, and read the product label before use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is Panadol 500mg used for?

Panadol 500mg Tablet contains Paracetamol and is used for short-term relief of mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, muscle aches, and toothache, and to reduce fever.

What is the correct dose of Panadol for adults?

Adults and children over 12 can take 1-2 tablets (500-1000mg) every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 tablets (4g) in 24 hours, leaving at least 4 hours between doses.

Is a prescription required to buy Panadol?

No, Panadol 500mg Tablet is an over-the-counter medicine and does not require a prescription.

What are the side effects of Panadol?

Panadol is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose. Uncommon side effects include nausea or skin rash; the most serious risk is liver damage from taking more than the recommended dose.

Who should avoid Panadol?

Avoid it, or seek medical advice first, if you have severe liver disease, a known allergy to paracetamol, or a history of chronic alcohol use, or if you're already taking another paracetamol-containing medicine.

Can Panadol be taken with other medicines?

Check that other medicines, especially cold and flu remedies, don't already contain paracetamol before combining, to avoid exceeding the daily limit. Tell your doctor if you take warfarin regularly.

What happens if I take too much Panadol?

An overdose can cause serious liver damage, sometimes without early symptoms. Seek emergency medical help immediately if an overdose is suspected, even if the person feels well.

How should Panadol be stored?

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of reach and sight of children.

What's the difference between Panadol and Fevadol/Fevamol?

All contain the same active ingredient, Paracetamol 500mg, and work the same way. Panadol is the established international GSK/Haleon brand, while Fevadol and Fevamol are alternative Pakistani-manufactured brands, often at a lower price.

What is the price of Panadol 500mg in Pakistan?

The price is around Rs. 34.50 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice.