Last Updated on August 19, 2026
Introduction
Brand name
Panadol (tablet); Perfalgan (IV)
Mechanism of action / Effects
• Analgesic effect
• Antipyretic effect
• Anti-inflammatory activity (weak)
Route of administration
• Oral (
tablet
• 1 tab = 500 mg
• IV
• Rectal
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
• Oral: <1 hour
• IV: 5 – 10 minutes (analgesia); within 30 minutes (antipyretic)
Peak of action
• Oral: 30 mins – 2 hours
• IV: 15 mins
• Rectal: 2 – 3 hours
Duration
• Oral: 4 – 6 hours
• IV: 4 – 6 hours (analgesia); ≥6 hours (antipyretic)
Metabolism
• Mainly in liver
Excretion
• Elimination half-life: 1-4 hours
Dosage
Fever, Mild to moderate pain
📌ADULT • Chronic alcoholism / liver impairment: max 3,000 mg per day
Oral
• 500-1,000 mg 4-6 hourly
• Usual dose: 1 g QID
•
Max
• Renal impairment (CrCl less than 30): dosing interval is 6 hourly
—–
IV
• Weight >33-50 kg: 15 mg/kg. Max: 60 mg/kg (not exceeding 3,000 mg) daily
• Weight >50 kg: 1,000 mg each time. Max: 4,000 mg daily.
Note: Doses are given at least 4 hourly via infusion over 15 minutes.
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📌PAEDIATRICS
Oral (Syr Paracetamol)
• 15 mg/kg 6 – 8 hourly
• 10 mg/kg (if hepatitis)
Rectal
• 20 – 30 mg/kg 6 hourly
Precaution
• G6PD deficiency
• Chronic alcoholism or malnutrition.
• Renal impairment
• Hepatic impairment