Panadol Rapid Caplets (Paracetamol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Panadol Rapid Caplets Used For?
Panadol Rapid Caplets contain paracetamol, which provides fast and effective temporary relief from various types of pain and discomfort. It also helps reduce fever when you’re feeling unwell.
Primary Uses
Panadol Rapid is used to treat headaches, muscular aches, period pain, toothache, migraine headache, colds and flu symptoms, tension headaches, and to reduce fever.
How It Works
Paracetamol works by stopping pain messages from reaching your brain. It also acts in the brain to reduce fever, helping you feel more comfortable when you’re unwell.
Fast Relief: Panadol Rapid is designed to provide fast, effective temporary relief from pain and fever.
How to Take Panadol Rapid Caplets
Always follow the directions on the package and use the smallest dose needed to treat your symptoms for the shortest time necessary. Never exceed the recommended dose.
Dosage Instructions
Adults and children 12 years and over: Take 2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take more frequently than every 4 hours. Swallow caplets with water or other fluid. For soluble tablets, dissolve in a glass of water at room temperature before drinking. Not suitable for children under 12 years.
Duration of Use
Adults should only take paracetamol for a few days at a time unless your doctor tells you to take it longer. Children aged 12-17 years should only be given paracetamol for up to 48 hours unless a doctor advises longer use.
Critical Warning: Do not take more than the recommended dose as it may cause serious harm to your liver.
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 such as rash, peeling, itching or 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 Rapid, make sure it’s safe for you by checking the warnings below. Some people should not take this medication or need special medical advice first.
Who Should Not Take Panadol Rapid Caplets
Do not use if you are allergic to paracetamol or any ingredients, if you are taking other medicines containing paracetamol, or if the package is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have liver or kidney problems, are underweight or malnourished, regularly drink alcohol, have severe illness or infection, are severely malnourished, or are a chronic heavy alcohol user. People on low sodium diets should note that caplets contain 352mg sodium per 2 tablets, and soluble tablets contain 425.5mg sodium per tablet.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to breastfeed. While this product may be suitable during breastfeeding, always consult your healthcare provider first.
Metabolic Acidosis Risk: Severe illness, infection, malnutrition, or chronic heavy alcohol use may increase risk of metabolic acidosis. Watch for deep rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or drowsiness and contact your doctor immediately if these occur.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Some medications can interact with paracetamol.
Important: Never take with other paracetamol-containing medicines to avoid dangerous overdose.
- Warfarin or similar blood-thinning medicines
- Metoclopramide (for nausea and vomiting)
- Medicines for epilepsy or fits
- Chloramphenicol (antibiotic for ear and eye infections)
- Alcohol
- Probenecid (for gout)
- Cholestyramine (for high cholesterol)
- Flucloxacillin (antibiotic) – serious risk of metabolic acidosis
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption and driving while taking Panadol Rapid. Both can affect your safety and the medication’s effectiveness.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol. Only drink small quantities of alcohol (beer, wine or spirits) while using paracetamol. Drinking large quantities of alcohol while taking paracetamol may increase the risk of liver side effects.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Panadol Rapid affects you.
Storage
Store your medicine in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, or sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom, near a sink, in the car, or on window sills. Keep in the original packaging until ready to use. Store out of sight and reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground.
Overdose Information
If you think you or anyone else has taken too much Panadol Rapid, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Phone the 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 if left untreated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Panadol Rapid is designed to provide fast, effective relief from pain and fever, though the exact onset time is not specified in the product information.
The product information does not specify whether to take with or without food. You should swallow the caplets with water or other fluid.
The product information does not indicate that paracetamol is addictive, but you should only use it for short periods – a few days for adults or up to 48 hours for children unless directed by a doctor.
Panadol Rapid is intended for short-term use only (a few days for adults, up to 48 hours for children), so stopping suddenly should not cause problems. It’s meant for temporary relief of symptoms.
You should only drink small quantities of alcohol while using paracetamol. Drinking large quantities may increase the risk of liver side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you regularly drink alcohol.
The product information does not specify special precautions for elderly patients, but anyone with medical conditions should check with their doctor or pharmacist before use.
Since Panadol Rapid is taken as needed for pain or fever (every 4-6 hours), you don’t need to worry about missing a scheduled dose. Only take when you have symptoms that need relief.
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.