Panadol Baby (Paracetamol)

Panadol Baby contains paracetamol, an analgesic that works within the prostaglandin pathway to relieve discomfort and lower temperature in young patients.

• Fever: Reduces elevated body temperature in infants and toddlers.
• Mild pain: Alleviates discomfort from teething, earache, or minor injuries.
• Post‑vaccination soreness: Helps ease soreness after routine immunisations.

• Paracetamol acts centrally by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX‑3, which reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in pain signalling and thermoregulation. This central action provides antipyretic and analgesic effects without significant peripheral anti‑inflammatory activity.

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated, but adverse reactions can occur.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: Mild stomach upset may be reported.
• Rash: Minor skin irritation or redness.
• Elevated liver enzymes: Transient increase detectable in blood tests.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Hepatotoxicity: Potential liver injury with overdose or prolonged high‑dose use.
• Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: Rare severe skin reaction.
• Anaphylaxis: Uncommon allergic response requiring immediate medical attention.
• Blood disorders: Rare cases of thrombocytopenia or neutropenia.

When using Panadol Baby, follow standard safety measures and monitor the child closely.

• Dosage accuracy: Use the device provided by the prescriber to ensure correct measurement.
• Age restriction: Only for infants and children as specified by a healthcare professional.
• Liver health: Avoid use in children with known liver impairment without medical advice.
• Concomitant medications: Review all other medicines the child is taking to prevent accidental overdose.
• Allergies: Discontinue if signs of an allergic reaction appear.
• Store below 25°C: Keep in the original container, protect from moisture and direct sunlight.

Paracetamol may interact with several medicines; awareness helps prevent adverse events.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Warfarin: Increased risk of bleeding due to enhanced anticoagulant effect.
• Isoniazid: Heightened potential for liver toxicity.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antiepileptics (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin): May reduce paracetamol plasma levels.
• Alcohol: Combined use can increase liver strain.
• Certain antibiotics (e.g., rifampicin): May alter metabolism and reduce efficacy.
• Herbal supplements (e.g., St. John’s wort): Potential enzyme induction affecting drug clearance.