Panadol Alternatives To Choose From

Panadol (trade name for Paracetamol) production in Pakistan has come to a staggering halt. A major pharmaceutical company, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (GSKCH), states that manufacturing the cheap drug has become unsustainable due to the increase in prices of raw materials, resulting in major financial losses. During this alarming development, it is essential to know the alternatives for Panadol available in the market in case of an emergency.

●       Ibuprofen

It is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) which has similar uses to that of Panadol. These include use as a moderate pain killer and to treat fever. The main difference is that Ibuprofen also reduces inflammation while Panadol does not. It may also be a better option for period pain or toothaches.  

●       Calpol

This drug is usually advised for relieving pain associated with backaches, toothaches, headaches, joint pain, and nerve pain. Its mechanism involves interference with pain sensations in the brain. It is also used for fevers, colds, and the flu.

●       Disprol

The drug has a paracetamol formulation, thus making it an excellent choice. It can be used for relieving moderate pain, fever, and general discomfort related to colds or flu. There is an associated risk of drowsiness.

●       Febrol

The active ingredients include Paracetamol and Domperidone. It is used as an antipyretic, and a mild to moderate painkiller. The medicine should not be used for more than 3 days for fever or more than 10 days for pain unless recommended by a doctor. 

●       Pracmol

This drug is used to treat pain resulting from severe inflammation. It helps fight swelling in tissues by the reduction of pain sensations. It is also helpful when body temperature increases, from moderate to severe levels. It can be used for treating headaches, fever, muscle pain, arthritis, and menstrual cramps.

●       Doliprane

Its active ingredient includes paracetamol. It helps to treat muscle pain and fever. It can also help with pain during periods. If you are taking it for more than 5 days, and the fever still does not subside, consult a doctor. 

●       Vamol

This one is a popular analgesic. It works effectively against inflammation and for period pain. It may also be utilized for nasal congestion during the flu. It may be prescribed for arthritis, muscle pain, nerve pain, headaches, and migraines as well. It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers responsible for fever and pain. 

●       Askprol

It is an antipyretic drug which is used to reduce body temperature. It does this by increasing heat loss from the body. Like those above, this also helps with headaches, backaches, and colds. It may be prescribed with aspirin or caffeine to increase its effectiveness when used for migraines. 

●       Codeine 

It is a pain killer which is usually prescribed in combination with other drugs to improve its efficacy. Its mechanism of action involves disrupting pain signals formed in the body. It is also used to reduce coughing. However, one should consult their physician before taking this medicine as it is a habit-forming drug. 

●       Nurofen

This is another NSAID which is often prescribed for the treatment of severe headaches, dental pain, neuralgia, rheumatic pain, and menstrual pain. It reduces pain by blocking chemicals involved in pain signalling and inflammation in the body. 

●       Buprenex

It is a prescription-only drug and is a potent analgesic used to treat moderate to severe pain, under strict conditions, when other medications do not seem to work. The main side effect is sedation and it may also cause respiratory depression, addiction, abuse and misuse which may result in an overdose.

●       Tramadol

This is a strong pain relief medicine which may be used for general and nerve-related pain. A major concern is developing its dependence and its side effects may include nausea and sedation. Its effects may be altered due to genetic variations and drug interactions. It is usually prescribed for back pain and chronic pain. 

While Panadol may be one of the best painkillers, its unavailability in the Pakistani market means we have to look for suitable alternatives, especially considering the increase in demand due to dengue and floods. Also, one needs to be wary of the substandard and fake tablets being sold in the market. The above medications serve the same purpose as Panadol. For any further queries, one should consult their general physician.