Pain is an unpleasant physical sensation, often associated with an injury or other damage. It acts as a warning sign that something is not right. Pain can also affect, and be affected by, our emotions and attitudes.

Paracetamol is an analgesic (painkiller) that also reduces fever, and is one of the most widely used non-prescription medicines.

Is paracetamol an anti-inflammatory?

Paracetamol reduces pain and fever but has little effect in relieving inflammation. As a result, paracetamol is not associated with many of the side effects that may occur with anti-inflammatory medications.

How does the paracetamol in Panadol work and what does it do?

Paracetamol is an analgesic (painkiller) that also reduces fever. It's believed to work primarily via its effects on the central nervous system (brain) to reduce the nerve transmission of pain signals and reduce fever.

Can Panadol cure fever?

Panadol provides fast, effective, temporary relief of pain and discomfort and can also help to relieve fever.

What is Panadol used for?

Panadol is indicated for the temporary relief of pain and discomfort associated with headache, tension headache, migraine headache, osteoarthritis, arthritis, cold & flu symptoms, toothache, dental pain, muscular aches, sore throat and period pain. Panadol also helps to reduce fever.

Should I take Panadol with or without food?

Panadol can be taken with or without food.

How many Panadol can I take and how often should I take them?

Always follow the instructions on the packaging. Dosing instructions vary with age and the product being used, and it's important to take paracetamol as recommended. If you have any concerns, ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

Can I halve Panadol tablets?

The following tablets/caplets have a scoreline and so can be cut in half: Panadol Tablets, Panadol Tablets with Optizorb Formulation and Panadol Caplets with Optizorb Formulation. We do not recommend that Panadol Rapid, Panadol Mini Caps, Panadol Extra or Panadol Osteo are cut in half

Which Panadol product should I take for a headache?

All Panadol products contain paracetamol which provides temporary relief of pain and discomfort associated with headaches.

How long can I take Panadol for?

Adults should not take Panadol for more than a few days at a time unless on medical advice. Prolonged use without medical supervision could be harmful. If pain or symptoms persist it is recommended that you seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

I’m finding it hard to pop a tablet out of its packet, have you changed the packaging?

We're introducing child-safety packaging globally for all products that could pose a risk of harm if accidentally ingested by a child. We’re sorry if you have found it difficult to remove the product from the blister.

Why do Panadol product packs look different?

We’ve updated our packaging to make it more consistent across the range, and to make it easier for you to find the appropriate Panadol product for your needs.

Does the Panadol with the new packaging still work the same as the previous packs?

While Panadol packaging has been updated, the product itself has not changed at all.

Do you still sell Panadol Back & Neck products?

After much consideration, GSK have decided to discontinue Panadol Back & Neck Long Lasting and Panadol Back & Neck Pain Relief products. Please visit our products page for the full range of Panadol products that may be an effective alternative. We also recommend you seek specific medical advice from a health care professional.

How is Panadol Rapid and Panadol Rapid Soluble absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol tablets?

The sodium bicarbonate present in Panadol Rapid and Panadol Rapid Soluble allows it to be absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol tablets.

What is the difference between Panadol Rapid and Panadol with Optizorb Formulation?

The difference is in how fast the tablet/caplet is absorbed: Panadol Rapid is absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol tablets, whereas Panadol with Optizorb Formulation is absorbed 25% faster than regular Panadol tablets. An Optizorb caplet is smaller in size than a Panadol Rapid caplet. Panadol with Optizorb Formulation is suitable for people on low sodium diets, while people on low sodium diets should consult their healthcare professional before using Panadol Rapid.

What’s the difference between regular Panadol and Panadol containing Optizorb formulation?

Panadol with Optizorb Formulation contains a patented delivery system which enables it to spend less time in the stomach and to be absorbed faster than regular Panadol tablets.

What’s the difference between regular Panadol and Panadol Rapid?

Panadol Rapid is absorbed two times faster than regular Panadol tablets for fast pain relief.

Which end of the Panadol Suppositories should you insert first?

For ease of insertion, the suppository can be moistened before inserting. Lie on your side, raise your knees to your chest and push the suppository blunt end first into your rectum. For more detailed information on how to use suppositories please see the package leaflet.

How does the sustained release formulation in Panadol Osteo work?

Panadol Osteo tablets are unique bi-layer tablets incorporating an immediate release and a sustained release dose of paracetamol. The paracetamol in the immediate release layer is absorbed quickly while the paracetamol in the sustained release layer is released gradually, providing effective pain relief for up to eight hours.

What is Panadol Extra?

Panadol Extra contains a clinically proven combination of ingredients for fighting tough pain. Each caplet contains paracetamol and caffeine, plus advanced Optizorb technology, designed to fight five types of tough pain: migraine headache, period pain, tension headache, muscle aches and pains, and dental pain.

Why does Panadol Extra contain caffeine?

Caffeine enhances the pain-relieving effect of the paracetamol in Panadol.

Will Panadol Extra keep me awake at night?

Panadol Extra contains caffeine, which can cause sleeplessness if it is taken within several hours of going to bed.

Does Panadol contain aspirin?

No, Panadol does not contain aspirin.

Can I drink alcohol when using any Panadol products?

Alcohol and paracetamol may interfere with each other. Your pharmacist and doctor will have more information on these and other medicines to be careful with or avoid while using this medicine.

Are there any precautions/reasons for not taking Panadol?

Before taking Panadol it is strongly advised that you read the WARNINGS section on the back of the pack and read the 'BEFORE YOU USE PANADOL' section in package leaflet.

What do I do if I think I have taken too much Panadol?

If overdose is suspected call the Poisons Information Centre (AUST; 13 11 26, NZ; 0800 764 766) or seek medical advice immediately even if you feel well due to the risk of serious liver damage if left untreated.

Can I give half a dose of Panadol to my child?

Please note that: • Regular Panadol and Panadol with Optizorb are only intended to be used by persons 7 years and over. • Panadol Rapid and Panadol Extra are only intended to be used by persons 12 years and over. Please see the packaging for dosage information or seek medical advice from a healthcare professional.

Are there any known side effects of Panadol?

Reports of side effects are rare. Although uncommon, you should stop taking Panadol immediately and consult a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, rashes, swelling of lips/tongue/throat or face, mouth ulcers and unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Is Panadol suitable for asthmatics?

Panadol does not contain aspirin. Please note that a very small percentage of asthmatics sensitive to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin may be sensitive to paracetamol.

Can I use Panadol after the expiry date?

We do not recommend the use of the product after the expiry date as we cannot guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the product past this date. If the product has been purchased already expired, we suggest returning the product to the place of purchase.

Can I take Panadol if I’m also taking other medications?

Some medications may be affected by Panadol or affect how well Panadol works. We suggest you discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

If I’m taking warfarin or other blood thinners can I take Panadol?

We recommend speaking with your doctor before use if you are taking warfarin.

Can I take Panadol during pregnancy?

Panadol can be taken during pregnancy if advised by your doctor.

Can I take Panadol while breastfeeding?

Panadol can be taken while breastfeeding. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about using Panadol Extra if you are breastfeeding.

Can I take Panadol if I’m on a sodium/salt restricted diet?

There is no sodium/salt in the following products: • Regular Panadol tablets, • Panadol with Optizorb Formulation tablets/caplets, • Panadol Mini Caps, • Panadol Osteo. Panadol Rapid and Panadol Rapid Soluble contain sodium.

How much sodium does Panadol Rapid soluble contain?

Each Panadol Rapid Soluble tablet contains 425.5 mg (18.5 mmol) of sodium.

How much sodium does Panadol Rapid contain?

Two Panadol Rapid caplets contain 344 mg (15 mmol) of sodium.

What does Children's Panadol help with?

Children's Panadol helps provide temporary relief of your child's fever and pain from teething, headache, earache, immunisation and cold and flu symptoms. Got more questions? Click on the relevant topic for tips on what to look out for and how you can help your little one.

Children's Panadol contains paracetamol. This relieves your little one's discomfort by blocking pain messages in the brain,

Do I dose by weight or age?

Dosing by weight ensures your child receives the correct dose for effective relief of pain and fever. This is because children of the same age can have different body weights, depending on their age and gender. Get the correct dose just by entering your child's weight in our handy Dosage Calculator. If weight is unknown, dose by age.

How often should I give my child Children's Panadol?

The recommended dose can be given to your child every 4 to 6 hours. Make sure you don't give more than 4 doses within a 24 hour period and don't use for more than 48 hours at a time, except on medical advice.

How do I get my child to take the medicine more easily?

Sometimes your little one won't want to cooperate. You can mix Children's Panadol in water or fruit juice to help mask the taste of paracetamol. Paracetamol has a bitter taste, which may be the reason why your little one has difficulty. If using a syringe, it might help to slowly squirt a small amount inside the cheek next to the tongue. Wait until they swallow, before giving the rest of the dose.

Should Children's Panadol be given before or after meals?

Children's Panadol can be given with or without food.

How do I clean the syringe after use?

Hand wash with warm water after each use. Avoid using detergents and the dishwasher, and discard once the bottle has been finished.

How do I measure the dose using the Children's Panadol syringes?

Push the plunger fully in to close the dosing device; then insert device into bottle Gently pull plunger to the correct dose for your child Check dosage in device is correct before use

How do I measure the dose using the Children's Panadol dropper?

Insert dropper into bottle Squeeze to draw up liquid Check dosage in dropper is correct before use

What flavours are available?

Children's Panadol 1 Month+ Baby Drops is available in cherry vanilla flavour. Children's Panadol 1-5 & 5-12 Years Suspension is available in orange and strawberry flavour. Children's Panadol 5-12 Years Elixir is available in raspberry flavour. Children's Panadol 3 Years+ Chewable is available in cherry flavour and Children's Panadol 7 Years+ Soluble is available in strawberry flavour.

Grand-Pa Pain Relief Products FAQs

*We do not supply our products directly to consumers. By selecting the Buy Now button on this page, you will be re-directed to a list of retailers’ websites for purchase. Kindly note that purchase will be subject to stock availability

Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA)

The PAIA manual is prepared in accordance with section 51 of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) No. 2 of 2000 (as amended) and the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013. The purpose of PAIA is to promote the right of access to information, to foster a culture of transparency and accountability within the Company by giving the right to information that is required for the exercise or protection of any right and to actively promote a society in which the people of South Africa have effective access to information to enable them to exercise and protect their rights.

Please see the PAIA manual.

1. This product contains paracetamol; do not take it with other medicines that also contain paracetamol. Paracetamol is contained in many medicines to treat pain, fever, symptoms of cold and flu, and sleep medicines.
2. If you have liver or kidney disease, talk to your doctor before taking paracetamol.
3. Do not take more than recommended dose, as this may be harmful, including serious harm to your liver.

*Ready to work in 10 seconds refers to Grand-Pa powders, based on dissolution data mimicking the gastric environment and not on illustrative clinical effect.
Reference: GSK Data on file, 2015.

S0 GRAND-PA Headache Powders. Each powder contains: Aspirin 453,6 mg; Paracetamol 324,0 mg; Caffeine 64,8 mg. Reg. No.: B/2.9/1113.

S0 GRAND-PA Headache Tablets. Each tablet contains: Aspirin 226,8 mg; Paracetamol 162,0 mg; Caffeine 32,4 mg. Reg. No.: P/2.9/22.

Haleon South Africa (Pty) Ltd. 11 Hawkins Avenue, Epping Industria 1, Cape Town, 7460. Reg. No: 2014/173930/07. For full prescribing information refer to the professional information approved by the medicines regulatory authority. For any further information, including safety, adverse reactions, please contact the Haleon Hotline on 0800 007 018, mystory.za@haleon.com.
Always read the label before/prior use
Trademarks are owned by or licensed to Haleon group of companies.

Members of: Marketing Code Authority: info@marketingcode.co.za, Tel. No. +27 63 044 5200. South African Health Products Regulatory Authority Tel. No. +27 12 501 0300 Email: enquiries@sahpra.org.za

PM-ZA-GPA-23-00035

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