Panadol Advance Tablets for Pain Relief - 16

Product Summary

Panadol Advance provides the fast relief that you expect from Panadol while being easy on the stomach. It can be taken on an empty stomach if necessary.

Panadol Advance Tablets also contain Optizorb technology™, which disperses the paracetamol up to five times faster than normal paracetamol tablets, meaning that it gets to work on relieving your aches and pains in just 10 minutes.

Directions

• Adults over 16: Swallow 1–2 tablets up to 4 times daily. Do not take more frequently than every 4 hours. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• For children aged 10–15 years: Give 1 tablet to swallow up to 4 times daily as required. Do not give more frequently than every 4 hours. Do not give more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Children should not be given Panadol Advance for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor.

Ingredients

• Each tablet contains Paracetamol 500 mg.
• Also contains a mixture of Sodium Methyl (E 219), Sodium Ethyl (E 215) and Sodium Propyl (E 217) Parahydroxybenzoates.

Warnings and Restrictions

• If you are pregnant, please see your doctor before you take Panadol Advance Tablets.
• You can take this product whilst breastfeeding.
• Do not take with any other product containing paracetamol.
• Do not take more frequently than every 4 hours.
• Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• Do not give to children under 10 years of age.

Warnings and Restrictions

TAKE SPECIAL CARE

• Contains paracetamol. Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.

Ask your doctor before you take this medicine:

• if you have liver or kidney disease, including alcoholic liver disease
• if you have mild arthritis and need to take painkillers every day.

Do not exceed the stated dose.

Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you feel well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

If your symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

Taking other medicines

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Panadol Advance if you are taking any prescribed medicines, particularly:

• Metoclopramide or Domperidone (for nausea or vomiting)
• Colestyramine to lower blood cholesterol).

If you are taking blood-thinning drugs (anticoagulants such as warfarin) and you need to take a painkiller on a daily basis, talk to your doctor. This is because of the risk of bleeding. You can still take occasional doses of Panadol Extra Soluble Tablets at the same time as anticoagulants.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

How long does Panadol Advance take to work?

Panadol Advance contains Optizorb™ technology that helps it dissolve up to five times faster than standard paracetamol. Most people begin to feel relief within 10 to 15 minutes after taking a dose. However, this can vary depending on factors like whether you’ve eaten recently, your age, and the type of pain. For best results, swallow the tablets with water. If you get worse or don't improve at all within an hour, take an additional dose after at least four hours (but no more than 8 tablets in 24 hours). If the pain persists for longer than a few days, you should consult your GP or pharmacist.

Can I take Panadol Advance on an empty stomach?

Yes, Panadol Advance is safe for the stomach and can be taken with or without food. It is therefore an option for anyone who may not have eaten at all but needs quick relief from pain. Unlike some pain killers (like ibuprofen), which upset the stomach, paracetamol is proportionally safer if you do have a sensitive stomach or other complaints in the digestive system. If you're on a special diet or have a history of liver problems, it's still a good idea to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before you take it.

How is Panadol Advance different from other tablets of paracetamol?

Panadol Advance features a special formulation known as Optizorb technology, which enables paracetamol to dissolve quickly in the stomach and be absorbed more rapidly into the bloodstream. That is because it acts faster than standard paracetamol tablets — typically in 10 minutes. Even though the paracetamol dose (500 mg per tablet) is the same, Panadol Advance might be worth considering if you prefer quicker relief. It is also kinder to the stomach, which can be beneficial if you are prone to indigestion or take it on an empty stomach.

Can I use Panadol Advance with other medicines?

Yes, but first check with a doctor or pharmacist. Do not use Panadol Advance with any other paracetamol-containing medication, as this will cause damage to the liver. If you are on medicines for being sick (e.g., metoclopramide), cholesterol (e.g., colestyramine), or thinning the blood (e.g., warfarin), check with your doctor first. Panadol is safe to use on an as-needed basis with blood thinners, but prolonged use may have the potential to increase the risk of bleeding. Always read labels attentively and consult with a health professional if in doubt.

What do I do if I have taken too many Panadol Advance tablets accidentally?

Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage even though you might feel fine at first. If you or someone else has taken a quantity greater than the amount recommended (more than 8 tablets in 24 hours for a full adult), seek immediate medical attention, even if you are not feeling any symptoms. Early intervention will prevent long-term harm. Never try "waiting and seeing". If in doubt, go to A&E or phone NHS 111 for advice. Leave the packaging behind so healthcare workers are aware of what was consumed.