Panadol Osteo (Paracetamol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Panadol Osteo Used For?
Panadol Osteo contains paracetamol as its active ingredient and is specifically designed for managing persistent pain conditions. It provides effective relief for ongoing pain while also treating acute pain and reducing fever.
Primary Uses
Panadol Osteo is effective for persistent pain from osteoarthritis and muscle aches like backache. It also provides fast, temporary relief from headaches, tension headaches, period pain, toothache, dental procedure pain, and cold and flu symptoms. Additionally, it reduces fever.
How It Works
Paracetamol works by stopping pain messages from reaching your brain. It also acts directly in the brain to reduce fever, providing dual action for pain relief and temperature control.
Good to know: Paracetamol is a well-established pain reliever that can be used for both short-term acute pain and longer-term persistent pain conditions like osteoarthritis.
How to Take Panadol Osteo
Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions carefully, as they may differ from the package directions. Always use the smallest effective dose for the shortest time necessary to treat your symptoms.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and children 12 years and over: Take 2 caplets three times daily, every 6-8 hours as needed. Do not take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours. Do not take more frequently than every 6 hours. Swallow caplets whole with water – do not crush, chew, or suck them as this affects their sustained-release properties. Can be taken with or without food. Space doses equally throughout the day.
Duration of Use
Adults should only take paracetamol for a few days at a time unless directed by a doctor. Children 12-17 years should only use it for up to 48 hours unless a doctor recommends longer use.
Important: Do not exceed the recommended dose as it may cause serious harm to your liver. Never take more than 6 caplets in 24 hours.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or other body parts
- Allergic skin reactions (rash, peeling, itching, hives)
- Mouth ulcers
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Symptoms of metabolic acidosis (serious breathing difficulties with deep rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite)
Important Warnings
Before taking Panadol Osteo, it’s crucial to understand who should avoid it and what medical conditions require special consideration. Never exceed the recommended dose due to serious liver damage risk.
Who Should Not Take Panadol Osteo
Do not use if you have an allergy to paracetamol or any ingredients in the medicine. Do not take if you’re already using other prescription or non-prescription medicines containing paracetamol for pain, fever, cold and flu symptoms, or sleep aids. Do not use after the expiry date or if packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver or kidney problems, are underweight or malnourished, regularly drink alcohol, have a severe illness or infection, or are severely malnourished. These conditions may require avoiding the product or limiting paracetamol intake. Watch for signs of metabolic acidosis: deep rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and drowsiness.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Paracetamol may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but always consult your doctor first. Consider taking the lowest effective dose for the shortest time period. Check with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Liver Warning: Do not take more than the recommended dose as it may cause serious harm to your liver. This is especially important for those with liver problems or who drink alcohol regularly.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with paracetamol, potentially affecting how well it works or increasing the risk of side effects. Always tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Flucloxacillin antibiotic poses a serious risk of blood and fluid abnormality (metabolic acidosis) when taken with paracetamol.
- Warfarin or similar blood-thinning medicines
- Metoclopramide (for nausea and vomiting)
- Medicines for epilepsy or seizures
- Chloramphenicol (antibiotic for ear and eye infections)
- Alcohol
- Probenecid (for gout or used with antibiotics)
- Cholestyramine (for high cholesterol)
- Flucloxacillin (antibiotic) – serious risk of metabolic acidosis
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption while taking Panadol Osteo, as it can increase the risk of liver-related side effects.
Alcohol
Only drink small quantities of alcohol (beer, wine, or spirits) while using Panadol Osteo. Drinking large amounts of alcohol while taking this medicine may increase the risk of liver side effects, especially since both alcohol and paracetamol are processed by the liver.
Storage
Store Panadol Osteo in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, on a window sill, or in a car, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Panadol Osteo, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call your doctor, Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 for Australia, 0800 764 766 for New Zealand), or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Do this even if there are no symptoms, as serious liver damage can occur with delayed onset if left untreated. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalization.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify exact onset time, but paracetamol is described as providing ‘fast effective temporary relief’ for acute pain conditions. For persistent pain like osteoarthritis, it may take regular dosing to achieve optimal pain management.
Yes, Panadol Osteo caplets can be taken with or without food. Swallow them whole with water or other fluid.
You should only drink small quantities of alcohol while using Panadol Osteo. Drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of liver side effects, as both alcohol and paracetamol are processed by the liver.
The medication is taken ‘as needed’ every 6-8 hours, so if you miss a dose, take it when you remember if you need pain relief. Do not take doses more frequently than every 6 hours and never exceed 6 caplets in 24 hours.
Adults should only take paracetamol for a few days at a time unless your doctor tells you to take it longer. Children 12-17 years should only use it for up to 48 hours unless directed by a doctor.
No, do not crush, chew, or suck the caplets as this may affect their sustained-release properties. Always swallow them whole with water or other fluid.
Panadol Osteo contains 665mg of paracetamol per caplet and is specifically formulated for persistent pain conditions like osteoarthritis. The caplets have sustained-release properties and are taken three times daily rather than four times like regular paracetamol.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.