Panadol 500 mg (Paracetamol/Acetaminophen): Uses and Safety

What this medicine is for

Panadol 500 mg contains paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in some countries. This summary uses the UK Panadol Original 500 mg tablet information. It concerns the single-ingredient oral tablet; Panadol Extra and cold-and-flu combinations contain additional ingredients and need their own precautions.

The reviewed product relieves pain such as headache, migraine, toothache, muscle or back pain and period pain, and reduces fever. It can relieve symptoms during a cold or flu but does not treat the underlying infection. Persistent symptoms or a recurring need for pain relief deserve assessment rather than repeated self-treatment.

Main safety and overdose warning

Side effects at the recommended amount are uncommon, but serious allergy, skin reactions and liver problems can occur. Liver or kidney disease, low body weight, malnutrition, regular heavy alcohol use and severe illness require professional advice before use. Check all pain, sleep and cold remedies for paracetamol or acetaminophen to avoid accidentally taking it twice.

A suspected overdose needs immediate medical assessment even when the person feels well: serious liver injury can develop later. Facial swelling, breathing difficulty, blistering or peeling skin, unexplained bleeding or yellow eyes also need urgent assessment. Keep the pack available so the exact product can be identified.

Interactions and pregnancy

Prolonged regular paracetamol use can enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin or similar coumarins; the UK information distinguishes this from occasional use. Metoclopramide, domperidone and colestyramine can alter absorption. Concurrent flucloxacillin, especially with severe illness or other risk factors, is associated with a serious blood-acidity disorder. Deep rapid breathing with unusual drowsiness or vomiting warrants urgent help.

The UK source allows use during pregnancy when clinically needed, with limited exposure guided by a healthcare professional, and does not contraindicate breastfeeding at recommended amounts. These statements do not establish that every combination product or individual circumstance is suitable. A pharmacist can check the complete medicine list and the local product leaflet.

Sources

• Panadol Original 500 mg tablets — UK SmPC — Text revised 3 March 2025; emc updated 24 June 2025
• Panadol Original tablets — UK patient leaflet — Leaflet revised April 2025; emc updated 15 August 2025

Source check: 30 October 2026. This records verification of the cited sources, not a clinical review by a doctor or pharmacist. Product instructions and availability can differ between countries.