What is the difference between red and blue panadol?

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Article written by Pharmacist Cao Thanh Tu - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital
Panadol is a group of products that share the same ingredient paracetamol. Depending on the dosage form and other active ingredients present in the drug, Panadol drugs are distinguished into different classes of action and indications.

1. General information about panadol

Panadol 500mg tablets commonly known as Blue Panadol Extra commonly known as Red Panadol Effervescent tablets 500mg also known as Panadol effervescent The above three products are used to relieve pain and reduce fever
Panadol colds and flu are Indicated to relieve symptoms of flu such as fever, pain and nasal congestion because in addition to the ingredient paracetamol (which has analgesic and antipyretic effects), the drug also contains two other ingredients, caffeine, which has a restorative effect. alertness, concentration when tired and phenylephrine - causes vasoconstriction, helps relieve stuffy nose.

2. Is Panadol safe in overdose?

In general, Panadol blue, Panadol red and Panadol effervescent tablets are safe when used at the recommended dose. However, overdose of the drug can cause toxicity on the liver and kidneys with manifestations such as dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice, yellow eyes, more dangerous can lead to death.
Overdose symptoms: Symptoms of poisoning usually appear within the first 24 hours, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, pale skin, malaise and sweating. Overdose can lead to complete and irreversible liver necrosis. Concomitant use of other drugs containing paracetamol may result in exceeding the recommended dose. Currently on the market there are many medicines containing paracetamol, so it is necessary to be careful when combining Panadol with other drugs to avoid overdose, especially pain relievers, medicines to treat cough and cold symptoms. .

3. What is the difference between red and blue panadol pills?

Panadol tablets 500mg content, also known as green Panadol, has the main ingredient is paracetamol. Paracetamol is an antipyretic, analgesic, Meanwhile, Panadol Extra (Red Panadol) in addition to paracetamol also contains caffeine which is a substance that enhances the analgesic effect of paracetamol and helps restore alertness and concentration. when tired.
The drug is recommended to treat most symptoms of mild to moderate pain and fever, for example: Headache, migraine, back pain, toothache, joint pain, menstrual pain, relieve symptoms Fever, body aches, and fatigue are common in colds, flu, and sore throat.
In terms of use, in addition to the same general precautions as when taking Panadol green, people using Panadol red also need to pay attention to avoid too much caffeine (eg from coffee, tea and some canned drinks). other) while taking this medicine. When the recommended dose of paracetamol-caffeine is taken together with a high-caffeine diet, side effects from caffeine overdose such as insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, headache, gastrointestinal upset, nervous.
For pregnant women, caffeine consumption during pregnancy is not recommended due to the potential for increased risk of spontaneous abortion related to caffeine accumulation in the body.
>>> Is taking Panadol during pregnancy dangerous to the fetus?

For nursing women, the caffeine in the drug can be excreted in breast milk and cause a stimulant effect on the nursing infant, especially when the mother consumes large amounts of caffeine. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers should limit the use of caffeine during breastfeeding.
>>> Mom taking Panadol Extra, can the baby breastfeed?

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