Panadol is an over-the-counter medication, it is used for its anti-pyretic and analgesic effects. Panadol syrup is primarily used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Panadol Syrup formulation is mostly recommended for children and adults where a low dose of medicine is needed. The following are some common uses and indications of Panadol Syrup:
- Pain Relief: Panadol syrup is often used to alleviate mild to moderate pain, such as headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle aches. It works by reducing the production of certain chemicals in the brain that cause pain.
- Fever Reduction: Panadol syrup can help reduce fever associated with various illnesses, such as colds, flu, or infections. It helps regulate the body’s temperature-regulating center in the brain, which can bring down a high fever.
- Common Colds and Flu: Panadol syrup can provide relief from symptoms commonly associated with colds and flu, such as body aches, sore throat, and fever.
- Pain and Fever in Children: Paracetamol syrup is often used for children who have difficulty swallowing pills or tablets. It can help alleviate pain and fever in children.
- Post-Vaccination Discomfort: After certain vaccinations, children may experience pain, redness, or fever at the injection site. Panadol syrup can be used under medical supervision to provide comfort and manage these symptoms.
- Mild Pain in Pregnancy: Panadol is considered safe for pregnant women when used as directed, and the syrup form can be easier to take for women experiencing nausea or difficulty swallowing.
Off-label Uses of Panadol Syrup
- Migraine Relief: While not specifically approved for migraines, Panadol syrup might be used off-label to help alleviate mild to moderate migraine headaches.
- Osteoarthritis: Panadol syrup could be used off-label to manage mild to moderate pain associated with osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease.
- Postoperative Pain: In some cases, Panadol syrup might be used off-label to manage postoperative pain, especially for individuals who cannot tolerate other pain medications.
- Chronic Pain Conditions: Panadol syrup might be considered off-label for the management of chronic pain conditions that are not responsive to other treatments, although this would depend on the specific circumstances and the healthcare provider’s judgment.
- Dental Pain: Panadol syrup could potentially be used off-label for temporary relief of dental pain until a patient can receive proper dental care.
- Combination Therapies: In some cases, Panadol syrup might be used off-label in combination with other medications for enhanced pain relief or to address specific medical conditions.
What is Panadol?
Panadol Syrup is one of the leading brands of Paracetamol in oral liquid form, manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharma Pakistan.
Panadol Alternatives : Other Paracetamol Syrup
The following are some alternative brands of Panadol syrup and their manufacturers.
Calpol : GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
Febrol : Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
Disprol : Reckitt Benckiser Ltd.
Pedrol : Stanley Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
Anamol : P. D. H Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
Benamol : Trigon Pharmaceuticals Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
Biomol : Biosyth Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
Campol : Syntex Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
Fevamol : Swiss Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd
Panaram : Efroze Chemical Industries (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
Panadol : Available Formulations and Strengths
Presently, Panadol is available in Syrup, Tablet, and Drop forms.
Panadol Syrup : 120mg/5ml strength.
Panadol Tablet : 500mg Strength.
Panadol Drops : 60mg/5ml.
Who Should Not Use Panadol?
Panadol syrup is generally considered safe when used appropriately. However, there are certain contraindications and precautions that individuals should be aware of before using Panadol syrup.
- Hypersensitivity: Individuals who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol (acetaminophen) or any other ingredients in Panadol syrup should not use the medication.
- Severe Liver Disease: Panadol syrup is metabolized in the liver, and its use can be contraindicated in individuals with severe liver disease or impaired liver function. This is because high doses of paracetamol or long-term use can lead to liver damage.
- Alcohol Abuse or Dependence: Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of liver damage associated with paracetamol. Individuals with a history of alcohol abuse or dependence should exercise caution and follow medical advice when using Panadol syrup.
- Certain Medical Conditions: While not an absolute contraindication, individuals with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease, anemia, blood disorders, or glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency should use Panadol syrup with caution and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
- Drug Interactions: Panadol syrup may interact with certain medications, including other drugs that contain paracetamol, certain anticoagulants (blood thinners), and other medications metabolized by the liver. Individuals taking these medications should consult a healthcare provider before using Panadol syrup.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While Panadol syrup is generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used as directed, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider before using any medication.
Recommended Daily Dosage of Panadol Syrup
- Panadol Syrup Dose for Infants 2-3 months (only under medical guidance):
- Weight: 4-6 kg (approximately)
- Dose: 5 ml (120 mg paracetamol)
- Frequency: Every 4-6 hours, as needed
- Maximum daily dose: Follow medical guidance
- Panadol Syrup Dose for Children 3-12 months:
- Weight: 6-8 kg (approximately)
- Dose: 5 ml (120 mg paracetamol)
- Frequency: Every 4-6 hours, as needed
- Maximum daily dose: 5 doses (600 mg paracetamol)
- Panadol Syrup Dose for Children 1-2 years:
- Weight: 8-10 kg (approximately)
- Dose: 10 ml (240 mg paracetamol)
- Frequency: Every 4-6 hours, as needed
- Maximum daily dose: 4 doses (960 mg paracetamol)
How Panadol Works?
Panadol contains the active ingredient paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen). Here’s a simplified explanation of how Panadol (paracetamol) works:
- Pain Relief: Paracetamol is thought to work by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the production of certain chemicals called prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are substances that contribute to pain, inflammation, and fever in the body. By reducing the production of prostaglandins, paracetamol helps alleviate pain. It’s important to note that unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or aspirin, paracetamol has a weaker anti-inflammatory effect and is more focused on pain relief.
- Fever Reduction: Paracetamol also affects the hypothalamus, which is the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. During an infection or illness, the body’s internal thermostat (hypothalamus) may be set to a higher temperature, resulting in fever. Paracetamol acts on the hypothalamus to reset the thermostat, helping to bring down fever.
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