Panadol vs Panadol Rapid
Panadol is the brand name for a drug known as paracetamol or acetaminophen. It is used as a pain reliever and as an antipyretic drug, and is considered to be one of the commonly used over the counter medications. Panadol is only one incarnation, which is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, Africa and Europe. It comes in the brand of Tylenol in the United States and other countries in north and South America. Paracetamol comes in syrups, tablets, capsules, suspensions, etc., and is sometimes linked with other active components, to produce a synergistic effect. It has been observed that paracetamol has an inhibitive effect on the cyclo oxygenase enzyme, specifically COX-2, which in turn reflects an action on the pain receptors, and thermostat in the hypothalamus. Also, paracetamol is known to affect the endogenous cannabionid system, retarding its metabolism and leading to further analgaesic effects. Paracetamol is metabolized through the liver by producing non toxic compounds. The adverse effects of panadol are mild to nonexistent. But, in doses above the therapeutic range can lead to, toxic effects like kidney and liver damage, and may require liver transplantation to avert the effects of liver failure. This is a drug, which can be safely used in small children, pregnant and breast feeding mothers.
Panadol
Panadol, is acting as an analgaesic and anti pyretic, and can be purchased over the counter. It is a cheap acetaminophen preparation, and it has minimal adverse effects and none of the major effects related with non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. One rare manifestation is an allergic rash. When taken over the therapeutic dose it can cause liver failure and renal failure. It takes about half an hour for absorption and the drug to take effect.
Panadol Rapid
Panadol Rapid contains the same components as Panadol, and also acts as a paracetamol derivative. But it contains additional sodium bicarbonate. The action of Panadol rapid takes place about ten to fifteen minutes after ingestion, and it is better for people who are younger and work oriented. The metabolism of the drug, the adverse effects and the toxic effects of the drug are as same as Panadol.
Difference Between Panadol and Panadol Rapid
Between these two drugs the similarities between the principal structure, pharmaco dynamics, pharmaco kineticsm, and the adverse effect profile are the same. Panadol Rapid contains sodium bicarbonate, which causes it to be absorbed more readily than normal Panadol. Due to this, the cost of Panadol Rapid is relatively greater than Panadol.
In summary, both these drugs have the same profile and the only difference is the time take for the drug to act. There are no added benefits of one over the other or added risks due to one. So the prescription or self consumption depends on the personal preference, rather than any clear cut evidence.