Last Updated on 5 hours ago by Loh

The Panadol brand (paracetamol or acetaminophen in America) produced by Haleon Malaysia (previously known as GlaxoSmithKline) is one of the drugs that is easily available as a medicine for high fever and minor pain. Due to the convenience of buying paracetamol without consulting a doctor or pharmacist (paracetamol is categorised as Over-the-Counter product in Malaysia), there are many confusions and myths in society, which are not answered by the articles you are able to be searched via Google. Therefore, I am writing this hoping to clarify and educate our consumers.

Facts about Paracetamol

• The optimal dose of paracetamol can be calculated with 15mg per kilogram of body weight, with the maximum daily dose (every 24 hours) being 4000mg or 4g.
• In tablet form, products containing paracetamol, including Panadol, are usually available in variations of 500mg or 650mg per tablet.
• Paracetamol is the safest pain (analgesic) and fever reliever (antipyretic) for pregnant and lactating mothers.

WARNING

Paracetamol is NOT suitable for people with liver impairment, people who are allergic to paracetamol, people with kidney damage, people who are suffering from alcohol addiction (alcoholic), and people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PD deficiency).

Panadol Regular

Panadol Regular is the oldest Panadol product in Malaysia, to the point where we often refer to all paracetamol as ‘Panadol‘, similar to ‘Tupperware‘ for all the plastic containers. The patent of this formulation has lapsed worldwide, as it was introduced back in the 1950s. Therefore, generic paracetamol can be manufactured by other manufacturers, for example Paracil, Uphamol 500, and many more.

Compared to other brands of paracetamol, Panadol Regular tablets are flat (slightly convex) in shape with a smooth surface, making them easier to swallow and not easy to melt in the mouth.

As a ‘vanilla’ product, we need to remember that the dosage is

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every SIX (6) hours.

For adult patients weighing less than 65kg, the optimal dosage per dose is ONE (1) tablet. For patients weighing more than 65kg, the optimal dose is TWO (2) tablets per dose.

Panadol Optizorb

The Panadol Optizorb formulation was introduced in 1998 to replace Panadol Regular, which had expired its patent. The tablets are smooth on the outside and oval in shape, for easier swallowing.

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every SIX (6) hours.

Compared to the Panadol Regular formulation, Panadol Optizorb is said to be effective as quickly as ten (10) minutes, by breaking down and dissolving quickly in the stomach. The three excipients, namely alginic acid, calcium carbonate and crospovidone, are not irritating to the stomach, making them suitable for gastritis sufferers.

In my opinion, as long as the pain is bearable, I would choose the cheaper Panadol Regular.

Panadol Actifast

The Panadol Actifast formulation was introduced in 2001, allegedly able to dissolve and be absorbed faster relative to Panadol Regular. Compared to Panadol Regular that on average takes 30 minutes to be effective, Panadol Actifast is said to be effective within 15 minutes.

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every SIX (6) hours.

The Actifast formulation contains 173mg of sodium salt in each 500mg tablet, so a typical dose (two tablets) contains 346mg of sodium. This relatively high sodium content (in the form of sodium bicarbonate) has sparked a rumour where patients with high blood pressure (hypertension) are not suitable to take Panadol Actifast. This rumour is not entirely true, especially for patients with well-functioning kidneys. If your kidneys are not working well in removing sodium salt from the body, you may experience hypernatremia which is usually accompanied by muscle weakness, thirst and dizziness. Please attend to the hospital emergency department if symptoms persist.

Panadol Soluble

One Panadol Soluble efferverscent tablet contains 500mg of paracetamol that dissolves easily in water.

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every SIX (6) hours.

Compared to Panadol Actifast, Panadol Soluble contains an even higher sodium content, with 427mg of sodium per tablet. This formulation is suitable for patients weighing more than 35kg and/or who have difficulty swallowing hard tablets. This formulation is usually lemon-flavoured.

Panadol 650

This formulation is unique to the Malaysian market, comparable to the Uphamol 650 brand. This formulation contains 650mg of paracetamol in each tablet, higher than other formulations, so the daily dosage is different as below:

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every EIGHT (8) hours.

Panadol Extend

This formulation is in the form of hard tablet inside a capsule, which contains 665mg of paracetamol in each tablet. Due to the higher than usual dose, the maximum daily dose of Panadol Extend is six (6) caplets every 24 hours.

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every EIGHT (8) hours.

The term ‘extend’ implies that this formulation is intended to release paracetamol slowly into the bloodstream, spanning six (6) to eight (8) hours, to reduce the need for repeated dosing from four times a day to three times a day, which may be beneficial for patients are experiencing chronic (long-term) pain and needing pain medication repeatedly.

DO NOT break or crush the Panadol Extend tablets. Breaking the tablet will damage the dissolution mechanism and release the paracetamol all at once into the bloodstream, defeating the ‘extend’ mechanism.

Panadol Extra

Panadol Extra is suitable for relieving migraine headaches, fever with muscle aches, and menstrual cramps. This formulation contains 65mg of caffeine along with 500mg of paracetamol in each tablet.

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every SIX (6) hours.

It is a common knowledge that caffeine helps in keeping the mind alert, especially for patients who are tired but still need to carry out daily activities. At the same time, caffeine can constrict the blood vessels that usually cause migraine pain, thus working synergistically with paracetamol in reducing pain.

This is one of the most effective formulations containing paracetamol as painkiller, but I do not recommend it for patients under the age of 12. Panadol Extra is also not suitable for patients who are allergic to caffeine.

Panadol Menstrual

P.S. Currently, there is no stock of Panadol Menstrual in any pharmacy due to a recall since December 2025.

Panadol Menstrual is the Panadol that people usually call ‘The Pink Panadol’, though Panadol for Children is also pink. This formulation is often used by women who experience pain and bloating during their period.

ONE (1) to TWO (2) tablets every SIX (6) hours.

Each Panadol Menstrual caplet contains 500mg of paracetamol and 25mg of pamabrom. Pamabrom is a weak diuretic that works to reduce bloating by reducing water absorption and emptying the bladder.

As long as the patient’s body weight is over 35kg, I allow my patients to take Panadol Menstrual, because many girls reach puberty before the age of 12.

Panadol for Children

This pink formulation comes in the form of a chewable tablet, containing 120mg of paracetamol in each tablet. The tablet can be broken in half along the score line in the middle (60mg) for more accurate dosing.

Body weight (kg) x 15 / 120 = Dosage in tablets, every SIX (6) hours

Although this formulation is flavoured, some patients may still taste the bitterness. However, Panadol for Children tablets are suitable for patients over six months of age who can swallow solid foods under supervision. If in doubt, you can choose Panadol Suspension.

Panadol Suspension

P.S. I choose to only sell the 250mg/5mL variation in my pharmacy to reduce confusion and errors.

This formulation is available in two syrup variations, namely 120mg/5mL and 250mg/5mL. For patients under 12 years of age or 35kg, the dosage can be calculated using the formula below.

For 120mg/5mL variety:

Body weight (kg) x 15 / 24 = Dose in mL

For 250mg/5mL variety:

Body weight (kg) x 15 / 50 = Dose in mL

>> DOSE CALCULATOR <<

When the patient’s body weight exceeds 35kg, a single dose will exceed 500mg of paracetamol, so the 500mg tablet formulation is recommended. If the single dose exceeds 120mg but less than 500mg of paracetamol, Panadol for Children is recommended.

Note

In the Malaysian market, there are other products that contain paracetamol, perhaps in brands other than Panadol, as well as formulations that are combined with other drugs, such as Maxigesic, Febricol, Flucor Day and so on. Try to read and identify the contents of the drug so that it is not taken with Panadol, to avoid taking paracetamol beyond the maximum daily dose.

For your information, there are several Panadol formulations that are NOT allowed for sale in the Malaysian market due to legal restrictions for patient safety, including Panadol Cold & Flu, Panadol Cold & Flu All in One, Panadol Cold & Flu Day, Panadol Night, and Panadol Sinus.

Closing

This article is limited to the usual usage and dosage of Panadol. For further questions, it is best to consult your pharmacist and/or doctor for your pain (or your care). A thorough diagnosis and practical advice can only be given after a face-to-face and holistic examination.

I may write more about myths about paracetamol or other medications in the future. For suggestions or questions, please fill out the inquiry form.