Panadol vs. Paracetamol — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on December 25, 2023
Panadol is a brand name for the drug paracetamol, which is used for pain relief and reducing fever.
Difference Between Panadol and Paracetamol
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Panadol is a commercial brand name under which the drug paracetamol is sold. Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is the active ingredient used for pain relief and fever reduction.
While Panadol refers specifically to the brand, paracetamol is the generic name of the medication. This means that paracetamol can be found in various other brands besides Panadol.
The formulation in Panadol is designed to treat conditions such as headaches, muscle aches, and fever, all of which are typical uses of paracetamol. Paracetamol is the actual compound that provides the therapeutic effect in Panadol.
Panadol, as a brand, might have different formulations and combinations, such as Panadol Extra. However, the key ingredient in all these formulations remains paracetamol.
Consumers may notice a price difference between Panadol and generic paracetamol products, with Panadol often being more expensive due to branding. The efficacy of Panadol and other paracetamol products is generally the same, as they contain the same active ingredient.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A brand name for paracetamol
The generic name of the drug
Active Ingredient
Contains paracetamol
Is paracetamol
Uses
Pain relief, fever reduction
Pain relief, fever reduction
Formulations
Various formulations under the Panadol brand
Available in various brands and formulations
Price
Often more expensive due to branding
Generally less expensive as a generic product
Compare with Definitions
Panadol
Panadol is a brand of medicine containing paracetamol.
I took Panadol to relieve my headache.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in some countries.
Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, is a key ingredient in many pain relief drugs.
Panadol
Panadol is used for pain relief and fever reduction.
Panadol is effective for treating mild fever.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is safe for most people when used correctly.
It’s important to follow the dosage instructions for paracetamol.
Panadol
Panadol comes in various forms, like tablets and syrups.
The doctor recommended Panadol syrup for the child’s cold.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol can be combined with other drugs for added effect.
Some cold medicines contain paracetamol and decongestants.
Panadol
Panadol is a popular over-the-counter medication.
You can buy Panadol at any pharmacy.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is a medication used to treat pain and fever.
Paracetamol is prescribed for both adults and children.
Panadol
Panadol is often used to treat common ailments.
She used Panadol for her muscle soreness after the gym.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is available in various brands and forms.
Paracetamol tablets are a common form of the drug.
Panadol
(pharmaceutical drug) paracetamol; acetaminophen.
Paracetamol
See acetaminophen.
Panadol
An analgesic for mild pain; also used as an antipyretic; (Datril and Tylenol and Panadol and Phenaphen and Tempra and Anacin III are trademarks of brands of acetaminophen tablets)
Paracetamol
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain. At a standard dose, paracetamol only slightly decreases body temperature; it is inferior to ibuprofen in that respect, and the benefits of its use for fever are unclear.
Paracetamol
(pharmaceutical drug) a synthetic compound used as a drug to relieve and reduce fever, usually taken in tablet form
Common Curiosities
What is Panadol?
Panadol is a brand name for the pain-reliever and fever-reducing drug paracetamol.
Is paracetamol safe for children?
Yes, paracetamol is safe for children in appropriate doses.
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used for pain relief and reducing fever.
Can I take Panadol for a headache?
Yes, Panadol is commonly used to relieve headaches.
Are Panadol and paracetamol the same?
Yes, Panadol is a brand of medication that contains the active ingredient paracetamol.
How often can I take Panadol?
Panadol should not be taken more frequently than every 4-6 hours, and no more than 4 doses should be taken in 24 hours.
Can paracetamol be used for chronic pain?
Paracetamol can be used for mild to moderate chronic pain but consult a doctor for long-term use.
What are the side effects of Panadol?
Side effects of Panadol are rare but can include allergic reactions or liver damage with overuse.
Is Panadol available without a prescription?
Yes, Panadol is available over-the-counter without a prescription.
Can I take paracetamol for a fever?
Yes, paracetamol is effective in reducing fever.
How does paracetamol relieve pain?
Paracetamol works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain which cause pain and fever.
Is there a difference in effectiveness between Panadol and generic paracetamol?
No, Panadol and generic paracetamol are equally effective as they contain the same active ingredient.
What forms does paracetamol come in?
Paracetamol is available in tablets, capsules, liquid suspensions, and suppositories.
Is it safe to take Panadol during pregnancy?
Panadol is generally considered safe during pregnancy, but it's always best to consult a healthcare provider.
Can I take Panadol with other medications?
You should consult a doctor before taking Panadol with other medications to avoid interactions.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.