Healthdirect Free Australian health advice you can count on.

Medical problem? Call 1800 022 222. If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately

healthdirect Australia is a free service where you can talk to a nurse or doctor who can help you know what to do.

beginning of content

Brand name: Panadol Extra TM

Active ingredients: paracetamol + caffeine

What it is used for

For the temporary relief of pain and discomfort associated with headache, tension headache, migraine headache, osteoarthritis, arthritis, cold & flu symptoms, toothache, dental procedures, muscular aches, sore throat and period pain. Reduces fever.

How to take it

The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.

  • Store below 25 degrees Celsius
  • Shelf lifetime is 24 Months.

You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.

Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.

Visual appearance

White to off white oval shaped film coated tablets debossed “xPx” with P inside a circle.

Do I need a prescription?

The packs below are available from a pharmacy without prescription. It is Schedule 2 : Pharmacy Medicine.

  • 18 pack
  • 20 pack
  • 20 sample pack pack
  • 36 pack
  • 40 pack
  • 80 pack

We are unable to tell you if you need a prescription for these medicines. You can ask your pharmacist. This medicine is Not Scheduled.

  • 10 (Not to be supplied until effective date of change to Poison Schedule) pack
  • 20 (Not to be supplied until effective date of change to Poison Schedule) pack

Reporting side effects

You can help ensure medicines are safe by reporting the side effects you experience.

You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems

Back to top back to top

Need more information?

These trusted information partners have more on this topic.

Top results

Period pain: self-care - MyDr.com.au

Period pain can be caused by prostaglandins, produced by the uterus, leading to cramping pain in your lower abdomen and stomach.

Read more on myDr website

Toothache: self-care - MyDr.com.au

Toothache is usually caused by dental decay. Find out what products are available for toothache.

Read more on myDr website

Sore throat: self-care - MyDr.com.au

A sore throat makes swallowing difficult and painful. Sore throat is common because it is associated with the common cold. Find out what products are available for sore throat.

Read more on myDr website

Colds - MyDr.com.au

A cold is an infection caused by a virus. It usually lasts two to three days and does not cause serious illness in healthy people. Find out what products are available for colds.

Read more on myDr website

Treating my child’s pain or fever - paracetamol or ibuprofen? - NPS MedicineWise

Ibuprofen & paracetamol are two of the most commonly used over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to treat pain & fever in children. Find out which one to give & when. 

Read more on NPS MedicineWise website

Strains and sprains: self-care - MyDr.com.au

Strains and sprains, or soft tissue injuries, are common through playing sports and in everyday life. Find out what products are available for strains and sprains.

Read more on myDr website

Opioid (pain reliever) infusion | Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

When children have strong pain due to surgery, injury or illness, they need constant pain relief

Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website

Everyday illness | Diabetes Victoria

When you are sick your body releases stress hormones to help you fight the illness, infection or stress

Read more on Diabetes Victoria website

Analgesia - Patient or nurse controlled | Sydney Children's Hospitals Network

What is it? Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) allows your child to safely self-deliver strong pain relieving medicine, such as morphine (an opioid), via a special machine attached to an intravenous line (IV)

Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website

Measles self-care - MyDr.com.au

Measles is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It is most common in children and is spread by coughing, sneezing or sometimes kissing. Find out what products are available for measles.

Read more on myDr website

Healthdirect 24hr 7 days a week hotline

24 hour health advice you can count on

1800 022 222

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Australian Government, health department logo ACT Government logo New South Wales government, health department logo Northen Territory Government logo Government of South Australia, health department logo Tasmanian government logo Victorian government logo Government of Western Australia, health department logo

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.