We all are aware of this most common medicine, Panadol. This is usually taken to help with headaches, toothaches, backaches, or such mild pains. The medicine remains effective for about 4 hours. Then you long for another tablet, which is not advisable at all. There must be a good solution to it. Panadol Extend is here for a rescue. One dose of it can give you relief for straight 8 hours. Panadol and Panadol Extend differ in the time they remain good for. This was your answer in one line. We will also discuss about the Panadol Extend price in Pakistan and its difference with the price of the standard Panadol. Let’s now discuss the same in some detail.
Major Difference Between The Two (Panadol Extend Price In Pakistan And Difference With Panadol)
Are you curious to know how Panadol Extend is able to offer a long-lasting effect? Thanks to the new bi-layered mechanism which actually works by immediate but continual release of the active relieving ingredient that is Paracetamol. Such way, you can get a relief from that frustrating pain for longer hours that the standard available Panadol. A recent study was done in this respect based on Visual Analog Scale [VAS]. Patients with knee osteoarthritis were the participants of this study. It was shown that the Panadol Extend was able to achieve an improved pain relief than the standard paracetamol. All this due to the sustained release of the pain-relieving agent. For reference you can check out this (Benson M, et al. J Int Med Res 2009;37:1321-35).
Difference In The Working Action
Let’s discuss how actually Panadol Extend works. It is nothing but a bi-layer paracetamol tablet. The first layer, which is the outer layer, is absorbed quickly via the stomach and the small intestine. It only contains about one third of the total paracetamol in the tablet. This works for providing a fast relief. The second layer, which is the inner layer, has about two third of the total paracetamol in the tablet. This is released slowly and is absorbed by the intestinal walls when this tablet reaches the small intestine. Thus, paracetamol releases slowly in the body, while providing an extended relief. The different release profile, makes it different. It stays in the body for a longer period. So, it is never advisable to take any other medicine while taking this. Because such misuse can be cause of an acute liver failure.
Amount Of Paracetamol (Reason Of Higher Panadol Extend Price In Pakistan)
While comparing the both, an important element is the amount of the active ingredient in them. Panadol has 500 mg paracetamol in it. While Panadol Extend has 665 mg paracetamol in it. Keeping in view the changed potency, the dosage is also different for both. If we talk about the Panadol, it is advised not to take more than 8 tablets a day (24 hrs.). If you switch to Panadol Extend, it is said to have a maximum of 6 tablets a day (24 hrs.). This dosage is the last maximum in case of chronic pain. As a regular treatment, you can take 2 tablets after every 4 hours in case of Panadol. And while using Panadol Extend, you can take 2 tablets after every 8 hours.
Thus, you actually need fewer doses while using Panadol Extend. These directions much be taken care of because over dosage can cause serious complications.
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Dosage And Suitability
Further talking about its usage, you need to first determine the age of the patient before deciding between the two. Panadol can be taken by adults as well as the children aged between 6 to 12 years. Thus, it is quite safe to use. Conversely, Panadol Extend is a bit aggressive and is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. So, if you are seeking relief for a child below 12 years of age, you should not consider Panadol Extend. Also, while using Panadol, you need to take care that for children from 6 to 11 years, the dosage is reduced from 2 tablets a day to just 1 tablet a day. Let the tablet be gentle on stomach to avoid any adverse effects. Because the children are more sensitive to strong medication.
Effectiveness Of Both
Panadol is effective only in cases of mild and moderate pain. Some common reasons to take a dose can be headaches, toothaches, backaches, osteoarthritis, menstrual periods, migraine, musculoskeletal pain, or to help with the symptoms of cold/flu/fever. Besides helping to cure the general fever, is the only remedy for dengue fever. It is the recommended antipyretic for dengue. It can also help to relieve the symptoms associated with COVID-19. So, is generally given to the patients suffering from COVID-19. While Panadol Extend can be used even for more chronic pains like dysmenorrhea, non-articular rheumatism, malaise, and even to relieve the pain after dental procedures. Thus, we got to know that, Panadol Extend has a bit wider application. And it can treat even higher levels of pain.
Possible Complications
Panadol is very safe to use. No adverse reactions are seen by its use. However, Panadol Extend due to its stronger potency can sometimes cause a worse effect. This is very rare but possible if the patient is hypersensitive. Some allergic skin reactions can occur with its use. Or if the patient is diagnosed with a liver problem, or suffer from diabetes, this medication should not be taken unless your healthcare provider advises you to. While taking Panadol Extend, you may notice side effects like fast heartbeat or high blood pressure. These side effects are common with this medication.
Suggestions And Warnings
If you are using simple Panadol, and your doctor changes your prescription for any reason. You can switch to your new medication without waiting for too long. The effect of Panadol on your body remains for a much shorter period. And so, you can continue with your new medicine. But, if you are using Panadol Extend, then switching rapidly can be dangerous. The body remains under the effect of this medicine for longer hours. Thus, it is advised to wait for some hours before you start on with your new medicine.
Contraindications
Panadol is not so harmful for nearly anyone. You should not take Panadol only if you have a previous history of hypersensitivity to medicines containing paracetamol or excipients. Otherwise, you can take this to get out of the pain. While, Panadol Extend has got some restrictions with it. You are not advised to start this medicine if you have a severe heart, renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) impairment, you have an alcohol dependency, your weight is less than 50 kg, you are suffering from malnutrition, your body is extremely dehydrated, or if you are anemic having less than the normal amount of red blood cells in blood.
Panadol Extend Price In Pakistan And Panadol Price In Pakistan (Difference)
Lastly, talking about the price, there is a huge difference in it. Here is the Panadol Extend price in Pakistan and the price of the standard Panadol. You can get 10 tablets in a strip of Panadol for only 23 PKR. While, you get the same strip of 10 tablets of Panadol Extend for 121 PKR. A slight variation of price is possible on the spot.
Key Points
Summing it up, Panadol and Panadol Extend differ in the time the active ingredient that is paracetamol stays in our body. The new variant is made with the new technology that controls the paracetamol release in the body to give a longer relief. We tried to cover all the major differences between the two. We also discussed the Panadol Extend price in Pakistan and the price of the standard Panadol. Before taking any of this medicine, you should consult your doctor or healthcare provider. Give them your previous health history and take the medicine as directed.
