Panadol Extend Film Coated Tablets: Your Comprehensive Guide to Pain and Fever Relief
Panadol Extend Film Coated Tablets are designed for longer-lasting relief of pain and fever. This blog post provides a detailed overview of the product, including its composition, indications, dosage instructions, warnings, side effects, and other essential information.
Introduction
Panadol Extend Film Coated Tablets offer effective relief from fever and mild to moderate pain. These tablets contain paracetamol, a widely used analgesic and antipyretic. The unique bi-layer formulation ensures that therapeutic plasma concentrations of paracetamol are rapidly attained and maintained for up to 8 hours after administration.
Composition
Each tablet contains Paracetamol Ph. Eur. 665 mg. The pharmaceutical form is a film-coated tablet, which is capsule-shaped and marked with an '8' logo on one face. Paracetamol [a medication used to relieve pain (analgesic) and reduce fever (antipyretic)] is the active ingredient in these tablets.
Indications
Panadol Extend Film Coated Tablets are indicated for the relief of fever and the treatment of mild to moderate pain. They are effective for conditions such as:
- Headache
- Migraine
- Toothache
- Pain after dental procedures
- Neuralgia [a condition characterized by severe nerve pain]
- Muscular aches and pains
- Pain of osteoarthritis [a degenerative joint disease]
- Rheumatic pain [pain related to rheumatism, often involving joints and muscles]
- Period pain
- Pain after vaccination
- Sore throat
- Discomfort from colds and influenza
Dosage and Administration
For oral administration only:
Adults (Including the Elderly) and Children Over 12 Years:
- The tablets must be swallowed whole and not chewed.
- Dosage: Two tablets (1330 mg) every 8 hours as required.
- Maximum daily dose: Do not take more than 6 tablets (3.99 g) in 24 hours.
- Note: Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Warnings/Precautions
Special Warnings and Precautions for Use:
- Keep out of the reach of children.
- Do not exceed the stated dose. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.
- This product should not be used with other paracetamol-containing products.
- Do not use this product for pain for more than 10 days or for fever for more than 3 days unless directed by a doctor.
- If you have been diagnosed with liver or kidney impairment [reduced function of the liver or kidneys], seek medical advice before taking this medication.
Drug Interactions:
The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins may be enhanced by prolonged regular daily use of paracetamol, increasing the risk of bleeding. Occasional doses have no significant effect.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Human and animal studies with paracetamol have not identified any risk to pregnancy or embryo-foetal development. Similarly, human studies have not identified any risk to lactation or the breastfed offspring. Paracetamol crosses the placental barrier and is excreted in breast milk but not in a clinically significant amount. As with any medication, medical advice should be sought before using this product during pregnancy.
Side Effects
Adverse effects of paracetamol are rare but may include:
- Hypersensitivity reactions, such as skin rashes [unusual allergic reactions affecting the skin].
- Blood dyscrasias [abnormalities in blood cell counts], including thrombocytopenia [low platelet count] and agranulocytosis [a condition where there is a severe reduction in white blood cells]. These were not necessarily causally related to paracetamol.
- Most reports of adverse reactions to paracetamol are related to overdose.
- Nephrotoxicity [toxic effects on the kidneys] following therapeutic doses of paracetamol is uncommon, but papillary necrosis [death of kidney tissue] has been reported after prolonged administration.
Overdose
Immediate treatment is essential in managing a paracetamol overdose. Despite a lack of significant early symptoms, patients should be referred to a hospital urgently for immediate medical attention. Gastric lavage [a procedure to empty the stomach] may be required if a patient has ingested around 7.5g or more of paracetamol in the preceding 4 hours. Administration of oral methionine or intravenous N-acetylcysteine, which can have a beneficial effect up to at least 48 hours after the overdose, may also be necessary.
Symptoms of paracetamol overdose in the first 24 hours include pallor [pale appearance], nausea, vomiting, anorexia [loss of appetite], and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis [an imbalance in the body's acid-base equilibrium] may occur. In severe poisoning, hepatic failure [liver dysfunction] may progress to encephalopathy [brain dysfunction], coma, and death. Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis [damage to the tiny tubes in the kidneys] may develop even in the absence of severe liver damage. Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10g or more of paracetamol.
Pharmacodynamic Properties
Paracetamol has analgesic and antipyretic actions based on the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis [the process by which prostaglandins, substances involved in inflammation and pain, are produced].
Pharmacokinetic Properties
Panadol Extend Film Coated Tablets are a unique bi-layer tablet incorporating an immediate-release and a sustained-release dose of paracetamol. This ensures that therapeutically active plasma paracetamol concentrations are rapidly attained and maintained for up to 8 hours after administration. The concentration in plasma is generally measurable in fasted subjects within 15 minutes, and mean plasma concentrations above the minimum level required for analgesia (>4 micrograms/ml) are maintained for between 6 to 8 hours after administration. Paracetamol is relatively uniformly distributed throughout most body fluids. It is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine mainly as the glucuronide and sulphate conjugates. Less than 5% is excreted as unmodified paracetamol. Binding to plasma proteins is minimal at therapeutic concentrations.
Shelf Life and Storage Conditions
The expiry date is indicated on the packaging. Store below 30°C.
Latest Information
This product information was prepared in March 2006, Version 3.0. For the most up-to-date information, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Conclusion
Panadol Extend Film Coated Tablets provide reliable relief for mild to moderate pain and fever. By adhering to the prescribed dosage and usage guidelines, users can ensure safe and effective treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
Disclaimer: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
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About the Author
Dr. Ahmad Baker, PharmD
He is a senior pharmacist and health educator with extensive experience in the Middle East and North Africa region. Through his writing, Dr. Ahmad aims to empower communities by providing reliable, evidence-based health information. With expertise in clinical pharmacy and regulatory affairs, he strives to offer unique insights into healthcare and simplify complex medical concepts, making them accessible to everyone.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of information regarding medications or medical products, and official sources should be verified before making any decisions. By using this blog, you agree to assume personal responsibility for relying on the information provided.
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