Panadol

Panadol is an antipyretic and analgesic drug of the pharmacological group of anilides - non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) based on paracetamol (an aniline derivative). Synonyms: Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, Daleron, Acamol-Teva, Perfalgan, Tylenol, Flutabs, Efferalgan, etc.

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Indications Panadol

Panadol is intended to relieve headaches (including migraines), toothache, joint and muscle pain. The drug is also indicated for neuralgic, rheumatic and menstrual pain. Panadol relieves flu-like symptoms such as fever and headache.

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Release form

Release form: tablets of 0.5 g.

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Pharmacodynamics

The active substance – paracetamol – inhibits the activity of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), which is involved in the synthesis of inflammation and thermoregulation mediators (prostaglandins).

A decrease in the level of prostaglandins, which ensure the functioning of the limbic-hypothalamic-reticular system of the body, leads to inhibition of excitation of neurons of the thermoregulation center in the hypothalamus, as well as to blocking the transmission of pain impulses of the central nervous system and a decrease in protopathic pain sensitivity. The drug has virtually no anti-inflammatory properties.

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Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, paracetamol is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and enters the systemic bloodstream. The highest concentration of Panadol in the blood plasma is observed 30-120 minutes after administration. No more than 15% of the drug binds to plasma proteins; the active substance of Panadol penetrates the blood-brain barrier.

Biological transformation of the drug occurs in the liver with the formation of metabolites, some of which (almost 17%) are active and deactivated by glutathione liver enzymes. Metabolites are eliminated mainly by the kidneys - with urine; the half-life of the drug from the body ranges from 1 to 4 hours.

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Dosing and administration

Panadol tablets are taken orally. A single therapeutic dose for adults and children over 12 years of age is 0.5 g; the drug may be taken three times a day with 4-hour intervals between doses.

The maximum permissible daily dosage is 4 g, the maximum duration of the course of treatment is 6-7 days.

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Use Panadol during pregnancy

The use of Panadol during pregnancy can only be as prescribed by a doctor, when the expected benefit to the pregnant woman is greater than the possible threat to the fetus.

Contraindications

Contraindications to the use of Panadol include individual hypersensitivity to the drug, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, partial renal or hepatic dysfunction, blood pathologies (anemia, leukopenia, elevated bilirubin levels), alcoholism, and children under 6 years of age.

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Side effects Panadol

In most cases, short-term use of Panadol in therapeutic doses does not cause side effects. However, with prolonged use, the drug causes nausea, vomiting, pain in the stomach, hyperactivity of liver enzymes, skin hyperemia and urticaria, negative changes in blood composition (anemia, thrombocytopenia, sugar and uric acid levels).

Paracetamol metabolites can also cause oxidation of iron in haemoglobin, leading to the formation of methemoglobin and blockage of oxygen transport in the blood, known as methemoglobinemia and manifested as shortness of breath, cyanosis and heart pain.

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Overdose

When using Panadol in doses exceeding therapeutic ones, the following side effects may develop:

• loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting;
• stomach pain;
• heart rhythm disturbance;
• change in the body's pH towards increased acidity;
• carbohydrate metabolism disorder;
• lowering blood sugar levels;
• pancreatitis;
• toxic liver damage;
• renal failure with tubular necrosis;
• bleeding;
• coma.

Treatment options for Panadol overdose include Methionine (oral) and Acetylcysteine (intravenous).

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Interactions with other drugs

Panadol should not be used in combination with other drugs containing paracetamol.

Combination of Panadol with anticoagulants of the coumarin group enhances the effect of the latter. Simultaneous use of Panadol reduces the effect of diuretics.

The absorption of Panadol is increased when combined with Domperidone and Metoclopramide; its antipyretic effect is reduced when taken simultaneously with barbiturates.

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Storage conditions

Storage conditions for Panadol: in a place protected from light, at a temperature of up to + 24-25°C.

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Shelf life

The shelf life of the drug is 5 years.