Panadol Extra Tablet (Paracetamol + Caffeine)

Quick Answer: Panadol Extra Tablet contains Paracetamol 500mg and Caffeine 65mg, used for short-term relief of headaches, migraine, and mild to moderate pain, with added caffeine to enhance the pain-relieving effect. It is an over-the-counter medicine, taken as 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours for adults. It costs around Rs. 57.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare in Pakistan, though prices can change.

Key Takeaways

•          Active Ingredients: Paracetamol 500mg and Caffeine 65mg per tablet

•          Main Use: short-term relief of headaches, migraine, and mild to moderate pain

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

•          Access: no prescription needed, available over the counter

•          Price: around Rs. 57.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change

📋 Product Specifications

How Panadol Extra Works

Panadol Extra combines Paracetamol with Caffeine. 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. Caffeine is included in a low dose to help enhance the pain-relieving effect of paracetamol, particularly for headaches. Follow the recommended dose stated on the pack and in this document.

Panadol Extra Uses

Panadol Extra Tablet is used for:

•          Headache & Migraine Relief: fast-acting relief from headaches and migraine

•          Body Pain: muscle aches, back pain, and general body pain

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

Panadol Extra 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 Extra

Panadol Extra Tablet is generally suitable for adults and children over 12 years old who need short-term relief from headaches or mild to moderate pain, have no known liver problems or allergy to paracetamol, and are not sensitive to caffeine.

🚫 Who Should Avoid It

Avoid Panadol Extra, or use only under medical advice, if you have severe liver disease or impaired liver function, a known allergy to paracetamol or caffeine, or a history of chronic alcohol use. Because it contains caffeine, also seek medical advice first if you have anxiety, sleep disorders, or heart rhythm problems, or if you're trying to limit your caffeine intake from other sources such as tea, coffee, or energy drinks. 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 Extra 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. Regular long-term use may also lead to increased tolerance to the caffeine component.

💊 How to Take Panadol Extra (Dosage)

Adults and children over 12 years: take 1-2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a full glass of water. Do not take more than 8 tablets 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. Because of the added caffeine, avoid taking it close to bedtime and be mindful of other caffeine intake while using it regularly. If pain or fever persists for more than 3 days, or worsens, stop and consult a doctor.

Missed Dose: Panadol Extra 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 Extra 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)

•          Restlessness, jitteriness, or difficulty sleeping, from the caffeine content, especially if taken later in the day

•          Skin rash or allergic reaction (rare)

Overdose is the most serious risk, mainly from the paracetamol content, 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

•          Other Caffeine Sources: combining with coffee, tea, energy drinks, or other caffeine-containing medicines can increase the risk of restlessness, jitteriness, or difficulty sleeping

•          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, anxiety, or heart rhythm problems to your doctor or pharmacist before regular use

❄️ Storage

Store Panadol Extra 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 Extra Price in Pakistan

The Panadol Extra Tablet price in Pakistan is around Rs. 57.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice. Buy genuine Panadol Extra 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 Extra vs Panadol 500mg

Panadol Extra and Panadol 500mg share the same core ingredient, Paracetamol 500mg, but Panadol Extra also contains Caffeine 65mg, added to enhance pain relief, particularly for headaches and migraine. Both are used for similar short-term pain and fever relief, though Panadol Extra is generally chosen specifically for headache relief. Panadol 500mg may suit those who prefer to avoid caffeine, such as people sensitive to it or trying to limit their intake later in the day. Your pharmacist can advise which option suits your situation.

For the standard formula without caffeine, see Panadol 500mg Tablet. 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 Extra used for?

Panadol Extra Tablet contains Paracetamol 500mg and Caffeine 65mg and is used for short-term relief of headaches, migraine, and mild to moderate pain, and to reduce fever.

What is the correct dose of Panadol Extra for adults?

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

Is a prescription required to buy Panadol Extra?

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

What are the side effects of Panadol Extra?

Panadol Extra is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose. Uncommon side effects include nausea, restlessness, or difficulty sleeping from the caffeine content; the most serious risk is liver damage from taking more than the recommended dose.

Who should avoid Panadol Extra?

Avoid it, or seek medical advice first, if you have severe liver disease, a known allergy to paracetamol or caffeine, a history of chronic alcohol use, or a condition such as anxiety or a heart rhythm problem that caffeine could affect.

Can Panadol Extra be taken with other medicines?

Check that other medicines don't already contain paracetamol before combining, to avoid exceeding the daily limit. Be mindful of other caffeine sources like coffee, tea, or energy drinks. Tell your doctor if you take warfarin regularly.

What happens if I take too much Panadol Extra?

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 Extra 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 Extra and Panadol 500mg?

Panadol Extra contains added Caffeine 65mg alongside Paracetamol 500mg to enhance pain relief, particularly for headaches, while standard Panadol 500mg contains paracetamol only.

What is the price of Panadol Extra in Pakistan?

The price is around Rs. 57.00 per strip at Dawa Healthcare, though prices can change without notice.