Panadol for children

Panadol for children pack shot

Tough** on fever and pain,1 gentle 1,3₹ on the child

Panadol for children contains paracetamol, which is recommended as first-line treatment for fever and mild-to-moderate pain in children.2-4 It starts to relieve fever within 15 minutes of dosing.1,5-7

Chart adapted from the World Health Organization guidelines on fever management in children

The World Health Organization guidelines on fever management state that when a child presents with fever, danger signs should be looked for. These include an inability to drink, persistent vomiting, convulsions, lethargy or unconsciousness, stridor in a calm child or severe malnutrition. If these signs are present, the patient must be referred immediately for specialist management.8

The symptomatic fever, associated with distress due to non-specific respiratory infections, diarrhoea and other infections, is managed with paracetamol.2

Chart showing reduction of temperature after paracetamol. Adapted from Wong et al. 2001.

This was a randomised, double-blind multicentre trial involving febrile children aged 6 months to 6 years who were given a dose of paracetamol (acetaminophen) 12 mg/kg (n=210). A downward slope in temperature was seen at the 15-minute time point. Maximal rate of temperature reduction was reached at 60 minutes in the paracetamol group.6

As effective as ibuprofen at doses of 10 mg/kg10

Chart showing the reduction of temperature in children given paracetamol 10 mg/kg or ibuprofen 10 mg/kg. Adapted from Vauzelle et al. 1997

This was a randomised, double blind, multicentre trial with 116 children aged 4.1 years (± 2.6 years) with a fever related to an infectious disease and a mean baseline temperature of 39°C (± 0.5°C), who were treated with either single doses of ibuprofen 10.3 mg/kg (± 1.9 mg/kg) or paracetamol 9.8 mg/kg (± 1.9 mg/kg). The children’s rectal temperature was regularly monitored for 6 hours. Tmax is the time that elapsed between first dose of drug administration and lowest temperature observed between the 0-6 hours.9

When given to children with fever, both paracetamol 10 mg/kg and ibuprofen 10 mg/kg were similar in reduction of temperature in the time between dosing and achieving lowest temperature during 0-6 hours.9

Chart showing the reduction of temperature in children given paracetamol 15 mg/kg or ibuprofen 10 mg/kg. Adapted from Autret-Leca et al. 2007

A randomised, single-dose, double-blind study in children from 3 months to 12 years old (N = 301) with non-serious fever received either paracetamol 15 mg/kg or ibuprofen 10 mg/kg. Mean temperature in both groups were 38.9°C at baseline. Primary outcome was tympanic temperature reduction over the following 8 hours post first dose administration.

Both paracetamol 15 mg/kg and ibuprofen 10 mg/kg had similar (not significant) reductions in temperature. The mean area under the curve (AUC) was -7.66°C and -7.77°C, respectively.10

Effective as pain-relief in children11

Chart showing significant pain relief from paracetamol vs. placebo as assessed by children and their parents. Adapted from Schactel et al. 1993.

This was a randomised, single-dose, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in children aged 2-12 years with acute sore throat treated with paracetamol 15 mg/kg, ibuprofen 10 mg/kg or placebo. Paracetamol showed significant pain relief vs. placebo from 1-hour post dose, which was sustained until 4 hours after dosing based on the children’s assessment of their pain.The parents’ assessment of changes in pain intensity seen in their children reflected the same.11

An unsurpassed tolerability profile among children’s over-the counter analgesics/antipyretics3,12

Happy child with his mother

When compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) e.g. ibuprofen, paracetamol is preferred because it is gentle on tiny tummies,1,3 has a lower risk of bleeding complications in certain vector-borne diseases like dengue2 may be suitable for children with dehydration12 and does not interact with as many other medicines like ibuprofen does.2

In a literature review of 23 clinical studies of paracetamol involving children, the safety data showed that paracetamol had comparable safety to ibuprofen and ketoprofen in short-term treatment of fever.3

What can Panadol for children do for Ollie?

Baby smiling

Ollie’s got a fever

1 years old and has been having a fever for the past two days. His mum is worried because he’s been fussy and not eating well. She wants something to help him get rid of the fever and at the same time, something that is suitable for him.

Panadol Children 1-6 years old suspension would help Ollie feel better by reducing his fever quickly, effectively and is safe when used as directed.

Panadol for children comes in different formulations

Panadol for children pack shot

Panadol For Children Chewable Tablets.

Panadol for children pack shot

Panadol Suspension 120mg/5ml

Panadol for children pack shot

Panadol Suspension 250mg/ 5mL

Panadol for children product details

  • Ingredients: 120mg Paracetamol

    Also includes excipients: Cherry Flavour, Corn Starch NF, Saccharin sodium, Mannitol, Stearic acid, D&C red lake blend

    Indication: Panadol For Children is indicated for the relief of fever, headache and symptoms of cold and flu, relief of teething pain and toothache.

    Recommended dose: For an accurate dosing, weigh your child and work out the dosage to be given based on a 10-15mg of Paracetamol for every kg body weight e.g: If your child weighs 20 kg: 20 x 15 mg = 300 mg = (300mg / 120mg x 1 tablet) = 2.5 tablets. Maximum daily dose: 60mg/kg to be administered in divided doses of 10 - 15mg/kg throughout the 24 hour period.

    • Do not exceed the stated dose.
    • The lowest dose necessary to achieve efficacy should be used for the shortest duration of treatment.
    • Oral administration only.
    • Minimum dosing interval: 4 hours
    • No more than four doses in any 24-hour period.
    • Maximum duration of continued use without medical advice: 3 days.
    • Not recommended for children under 2 years of age.

    Renal Impairment:

    Patients who have been diagnosed with renal impairment must seek medical advice before taking this medication. The restrictions related to the use of paracetamol products in patients with renal impairment are primarily a consequence of the paracetamol content of the drug (see Warnings and Precautions).

    Hepatic Impairment:

    Patients who have been diagnosed with liver impairment must seek medical advice before taking this medication. The restrictions related to the use of paracetamol products in patients with hepatic impairment are primarily a consequence of the paracetamol content of the drug (see Warnings and Precautions).

    Contraindications:

    Do not use if your child is allergic to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients in the product.

    Warnings and Precautions:

    Do not take more than the recommended dose as it may cause serious harm to your liver. Check with your doctor before use if your child:

    • Has liver or kidney problems.
    • Is underweight or malnourished.

    Your child may need to avoid using this product altogether or limit the amount of paracetamol that they take.

    Check with your doctor before use if your child:

    • Has a severe infection, is severely malnourished, severely underweight as this may increase the risk of metabolic acidosis. Signs of metabolic acidosis include:
    • Deep, rapid, difficult breathing
    • Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting)
    • Loss of appetite.

    Contact a doctor immediately if your child has a combination of these symptoms.

    Please see your doctor if the symptoms do not improve.

    Keep out of sight and reach of children.

    Always read and follow the label.

    This preparation contains PARACETAMOL. Do not take any other paracetamol containing medicines at the same time.

    Allergy Alert:

    Paracetamol may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include skin reddening, blisters and rash. These could be signs of a serious condition. If these reactions occur, stop use and seek medical assistance right away.

    Interaction With Other Medications:

    Before taking this medicine, make sure you consult your doctor if your child is taking warfarin or similar medicines used to thin the blood.

    The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins may be enhanced by prolonged regular daily use of paracetamol with increased risk of bleeding; occasional doses have no significant effect.

    Side Effects:

    Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if your child:

    • Experience allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, sometimes with breathing problems or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face.
    • Experience a skin rash or peeling, or mouth ulcers.
    • Has experienced breathing problems with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and experience a similar reaction with this product.
    • Experience unexplained bruising or bleeding.

    These reactions are rare.

    From post marketing data, the reactions below are very rare: Thrombocytopaenia, Anaphylaxis, cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions including, among others, skin rashes, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Bronchospasm in patients sensitive to aspirin and other NSAIDs, Hepatic dysfunction.

  • Ingredient: Paracetamol 120mg/5ml.

    Also includes excipients: Strawberry Flavor, Sorbitol Solution 70%, Sucrose, Glycerin, Methyl Hydroxybenzoate, Xanthan Gum, Carmoisine, Purified Water.

    Indication: Relieves fever, aches and pain of flu, discomfort of teething, toothache and fever after vaccination.

    Recommended dose: For an accurate dosing, weigh your child and work out the dosage to be given based on a 15mg of Paracetamol for every kg body weight Eg: If your child weighs 20kg: 20 x 15mg = 300mg = (300mg / 120mg x 5mL) = 12.5mL

    Example of dose by weight:

    Weight (kg) Dose (ml)
    4-5kg 2.5ml
    6-7kg 3.5ml
    8-9kg 5ml
    10-11kg 6ml
    • Do not exceed the stated dose.
    • The lowest dose necessary to achieve efficacy should be used for the shortest duration of treatment.
    • Oral administration only.
    • Minimum dosing interval: 4 hours.
    • No more than four doses in any 24-hour period.
    • Maximum duration of continued use without medical advice: 3 days.
    • Do not take more than 60 mg/ kg, to be administered in divided doses of 10-15 mg/kg throughout the 24-hour period.
    • Not recommended in children under 1 month.
    • For children under 3 months, if fever persists for more than 24 hours (4 doses), seek medical advice. This is to ensure that fever that may be due to a serious infection is quickly diagnosed.

    Renal Impairment:

    Patients who have been diagnosed with renal mpairment must seek medical advice before taking this medication. The restrictions related to the use of paracetamol products in patients with renal impairment are primarily a consequence of the paracetamol content of the drug (see Warnings and Precautions).

    Hepatic Impairment:

    Patients who have been diagnosed with liver impairment must seek medical advice before taking this medication. The restrictions related to the use of paracetamol products in patients with hepatic impairment are primarily a consequence of the paracetamol content of the drug (see Warnings and Precautions).

    Contraindications:

    Do not use if your child is allergic to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients in the product.

    Warnings & Precautions:

    Do not take more than the recommended dose as it may cause serious harm to your liver.

    Check with your doctor before use if your child:

    • Has liver or kidney problems.
    • Is underweight or malnourished.

    Your child may need to avoid using this product altogether or limit the amount of paracetamol that they take.

    Check with your doctor before use if your child:

    • Has a severe infection, is severely malnourished, severely underweight as this may increase the risk of metabolic acidosis. Signs of metabolic acidosis include:
    • Deep, rapid, difficult breathing.
    • Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting)
    • Loss of appetite.

    Contact a doctor immediately if your child has a combination of these symptoms.

    Please see your doctor if the symptoms do not improve.

    Keep out of sight and reach of children.

    Always read and follow the label.

    This preparation contains PARACETAMOL. Do not take any other paracetamol containing medicines at the same time.

    Allergy Alert:

    Paracetamol may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include skin reddening, blisters and rash. These could be signs of a serious condition. If these reactions occur, stop use and seek medical assistance right away.

    Interaction With Other Medications:

    Before taking this medicine, make sure you consult your doctor if your child is taking warfarin or similar medicines used to thin the blood.

    The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins may be enhanced by prolonged regular daily use of paracetamol with increased risk of bleeding; occasional doses have no significant effect.

    Side Effects:

    Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if your child:

    • Experience allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, sometimes with breathing problems or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face.
    • Experience a skin rash or peeling, or mouth ulcers.
    • Has experienced breathing problems with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and experience a similar reaction with this product.
    • Experience unexplained bruising or bleeding.

    These reactions are rare.

    From post marketing data, the reactions below are very rare:

    Thrombocytopaenia, Anaphylaxis, cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions including, among others, skin rashes, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Bronchospasm in patients sensitive to aspirin and other NSAIDs, Hepatic dysfunction.

  • Ingredient: Paracetamol 250mg/5ml

    Also includes excipients: Sucrose, sorbitol solution 70%, glycerin, dispersible cellulose, orange flavour, polysorbate 80, methyl paraben, purified water, sugar, FD&C yellow #6

    Indication: Relieves fever, aches and pain of flu, discomfort of teething, toothache and fever after vaccination.

    Recommended Dose: For an accurate dosing, weigh your child and work out the dosage to be given based on a 15mg of Paracetamol for every kg body weight. Eg: If your child weighs 20kg: 20 x 15mg = 300mg = (300mg / 250mg x 5ml) = 6ml

    Example of dose by weight:

    Weight (kg) Dose (ml)
    12-13kg 3ml
    14-16kg 4ml
    17-19kg 5ml
    20-23kg 6ml
    24-26kg 7ml
    27-29kg 8ml
    30-33kg 9ml
    34-39kg 10ml
    40-42kg 12ml
    • Do not exceed the stated dose. The lowest dose necessary to achieve efficacy should be used for the shortest duration of treatment.
    • Oral administration only.
    • Minimum dosing interval: 4 hours
    • No more than four doses in any 24-hour period.
    • Maximum duration of continued use without medical advice: 3 days.
    • Maximum daily dose: 60mg/kg presented in divided doses of 10 - 15 mg/kg throughout the 24 hour period.
    • Not recommended in children under 1 month.
    • For children under 3 months, if fever persists for more than 24 hours (4 doses), seek medical advice. This is to ensure that fever that may be due to a serious infection is quickly diagnosed.

    Renal Impairment:

    Patients who have been diagnosed with renal impairment must seek medical advice before taking this medication. The restrictions related to the use of paracetamol products in patients with renal impairment are primarily a consequence of the paracetamol content of the drug (see Warnings and Precautions).

    Hepatic Impairment:

    Patients who have been diagnosed with liver impairment must seek medical advice before taking this medication. The restrictions related to the use of paracetamol products in patients with hepatic impairment are primarily a consequence of the paracetamol content of the drug (see Warnings and Precautions).

    Contraindications: Do not use if your child is allergic to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients in the product.

    Warnings & Precautions:

    Do not take more than the recommended dose as it may cause serious harm to your liver.

    Check with your doctor before use if your child:

    • Has liver or kidney problems.
    • Is underweight or malnourished.

    Your child may need to avoid using this product altogether or limit the amount of paracetamol that they take.

    Check with your doctor before use if your child:

    • Has a severe infection, is severely malnourished, severely underweight as this may increase the risk of metabolic acidosis. Signs of metabolic acidosis include:
    • Deep, rapid, difficult breathing.
    • Feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting).
    • Loss of appetite.

    Contact a doctor immediately if your child has a combination of these symptoms. Please see your doctor if the symptoms do not improve.

    Always read and follow the label.

    Keep out of sight and reach of children. Jauhkan daripada kanak-kanak.

    This preparation contains PARACETAMOL. Do not take any other paracetamol containing medicines at the same time. Taking the medications at the same time may lead to overdose.

    Allergy Alert:

    Paracetamol may cause severe skin reactions. Symptoms may include skin reddening, blisters and rash. These could be signs of a serious condition. If these reactions occur, stop use and seek medical assistance right away.

    Interaction With Other Medications:

    Before taking this medicine, make sure you consult your doctor if your child is taking warfarin or similar medicines used to thin the blood.

    The anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins may be enhanced by prolonged regular daily use of paracetamol with increased risk of bleeding; occasional doses have no significant effect.

    Side Effects:

    Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if your child:

    • Experience allergic reactions such as skin rash or itching, sometimes with breathing problems or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face.
    • Experience a skin rash or peeling, or mouth ulcers.
    • Has experienced breathing problems with aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, and experience a similar reaction with this product.
    • Experience unexplained bruising or bleeding.

    These reactions are rare.

    From post marketing data, the reactions below are very rare:

    Thrombocytopaenia, Anaphylaxis, cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions including, among others, skin rashes, angioedema, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis, Bronchospasm in patients sensitive to aspirin and other NSAIDs, Hepatic dysfunction.

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