Panamax (Paracetamol)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Panamax Used For?
Panamax contains paracetamol and is used to provide relief from pain and reduce fever in both adults and children.
Primary Uses
For adults: arthritis pain, headaches, and muscle pain. For children: teething pain, earache, and discomfort after immunizations.
How It Works
Panamax works by stopping pain messages from reaching the brain and acts in the brain to reduce fever.
How to Take Panamax
The dose depends on which Panamax product you’re using and whether you’re an adult or child. Always follow the label directions or your doctor’s instructions.
Dosage Instructions
Panamax Tablets – Adults: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours). Children 7-12 years: 1/2 to 1 tablet every 4-6 hours (maximum 4 tablets in 24 hours). Panamax Elixir: Doses vary by age and weight from 2-4 mL for infants 1-3 months up to 20-26 mL for children 10-12 years, given every 4-6 hours (maximum 4 doses in 24 hours). Panamax 240 Elixir – Children 5-12 years: 6-12 mL every 4-6 hours. Adults: 10-20 mL every 4-6 hours (maximum 80 mL per day).
What If You Miss a Dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule.
Important: Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
- stomach pain
- indigestion
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- skin rashes
- painful red areas with blisters and peeling skin with fever
- hepatitis symptoms (loss of appetite, itching, yellowing of skin and eyes, light colored bowel movements, dark urine)
- rapid breathing and heart rate with consciousness changes
- shortness of breath
- wheezing or difficulty breathing
- swelling of face, lips, tongue or body
- severe blisters and bleeding in lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals
- skin rash, itching or hives
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before taking Panamax, especially regarding allergies and existing medical conditions.
Who Should Not Take Panamax
Do not use if you’re allergic to paracetamol or any ingredients. Do not use if you have liver or kidney problems, glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency, or if the packaging is damaged or expired.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have allergies to aspirin or NSAIDs, liver or kidney problems, malnutrition, severe kidney problems with sepsis, chronic alcohol use, Gilbert’s syndrome, breathing difficulties like bronchitis or asthma, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Panamax may be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but non-drug treatments like rest and massage should be tried first. If needed during pregnancy, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interfere with how Panamax works. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medicines you’re taking.
- Blood thinning medicines like warfarin
- Epilepsy medicines
- Metoclopramide or domperidone for nausea
- Propantheline for stomach ulcers
- Other pain relief medications
- Alcohol and alcohol-containing medicines
- Depression medicines
- Sleep aids
- Chloramphenicol antibiotic
- Flucloxacillin, zidovudine, and rifampicin for infections
- Probenecid for gout
- Cholestyramine for cholesterol
- Chelating resins
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious with alcohol consumption while taking Panamax as it can increase the risk of liver problems.
Alcohol
Only drink small amounts of alcohol (beer, wine, or spirits) while taking paracetamol. Large quantities of alcohol can increase the risk of liver side effects.
Storage
Store Panamax below 30°C in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep tablets in their blister pack until ready to use. Keep bottles tightly closed with child-resistant caps engaged. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
If you think you’ve taken too much Panamax, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include nausea, dizziness, or sweating. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
The source doesn’t specify onset time, but Panamax works by stopping pain messages from reaching the brain and reducing fever through brain action.
The source doesn’t mention food restrictions. Tablets should be swallowed with water or other liquid, and elixir can be given in water if necessary.
The source doesn’t mention addiction potential for Panamax.
Only drink small quantities of alcohol while taking Panamax. Large amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of liver side effects.
For children, don’t give Panamax for more than 48 hours unless a doctor tells you to. For adults, don’t take for more than a few days unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
The source doesn’t provide specific information about elderly patients, but emphasizes checking with your doctor about medical conditions and other medications before use.
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.