Yes, you can chew certain types of Panadol tablets, depending on the formulation.
Understanding Panadol Types and Chewing
Panadol comes in various forms, and it's crucial to know which type you have before chewing. The primary distinction relates to how the medication is designed to be released and absorbed into your body.
Types of Panadol
| Tablet Type | Chewing Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Rapidly-Dissolving Tablets | Yes, you can chew or allow to dissolve on the tongue before swallowing with or without water. |
| Chewable Tablets | Yes, you must chew thoroughly before swallowing. |
| Extended-Release Tablets | No, do not crush or chew. These should be swallowed whole. |
Why it Matters
- Rapidly-dissolving and chewable tablets: These are formulated to be quickly absorbed and are safe to chew or dissolve.
- Extended-release tablets: These are designed to slowly release the medication over an extended period. Chewing or crushing these can release all the drug at once, potentially leading to an overdose and increased side effects.
Identifying Your Panadol Type
- Read the packaging: The most reliable method is to carefully read the product packaging. It should clearly state if the tablets are chewable, rapidly-dissolving, or extended-release.
- Look for key phrases:
- "Chewable" or "chew thoroughly"
- "Rapidly-dissolving" or "allow to dissolve"
- "Extended-release", "modified-release", "sustained-release"
- Consult a pharmacist: If you are unsure about the type of Panadol you have, consult a pharmacist for guidance.
Example
If you have Panadol Children's Chewable Tablets, you should chew them thoroughly before swallowing. However, if you have Panadol Osteo (an extended-release formulation), you must swallow it whole without chewing.
Summary
- Rapidly-dissolving tablets may be chewed or dissolved.
- Chewable tablets should be chewed thoroughly.
- Extended-release tablets must not be chewed or crushed.
Always refer to the packaging instructions for the specific product you are using.
