Austell Paracetamol is paracetamol 500 mg, used for mild to moderate pain and for fever. It is the most widely used painkiller in the world, it is gentle on the stomach and kidneys, and the single most important thing about it is not taking it twice.
What is Austell Paracetamol?
Austell is the manufacturer; paracetamol is the medicine. Austell is a South African generic company producing a wide range of medicines, and paracetamol is registered here under dozens of names — Panado, Painamol, Napamol, Cetapon, Prolief, Donapan and many more. Being given a different brand is ordinary generic substitution, and the tablets are the same medicine.
Paracetamol — known internationally as acetaminophen — is a simple analgesic and antipyretic. Exactly how it works is still not fully settled, but it acts mainly in the central nervous system to reduce the perception of pain and lower a raised temperature.
It has little effect on inflammation, and that is the practical distinction from ibuprofen and the other anti-inflammatories. For a swollen joint, a sprain or period cramps, an anti-inflammatory often works better. For general pain and fever — and especially for people who cannot take anti-inflammatories — paracetamol is usually the first choice, because it is far gentler on the stomach, kidneys and heart.
That gentleness is why it is the default painkiller in pregnancy, in older people, in people with stomach ulcers or kidney disease, and in asthma.
What is Austell Paracetamol commonly used for?
- Headache, including tension headache.
- Period pain, though an anti-inflammatory is often more effective.
- Backache and muscular aches.
- Toothache, as short-term relief while awaiting dental treatment.
- Cold and flu symptoms — the aches and fever, not the infection.
- Fever in adults, and at paediatric strengths in children.
- Osteoarthritis pain, particularly where NSAIDs are unsuitable.
- Pain after minor injury or a procedure.
It treats the symptom, not the cause. It relieves pain while the underlying problem resolves, or while you wait for treatment that addresses it.
Medication-overuse headache is worth knowing about: taking painkillers for headache more than about two or three days a week can itself cause headaches.
How Austell Paracetamol fits into this medicine category
| Group | Examples | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Simple analgesics | Paracetamol (Austell Paracetamol, Donapan) | Pain and fever; little anti-inflammatory effect |
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen, diclofenac | Also reduce inflammation; stomach, kidney and heart cautions |
| COX-2 selective | Celecoxib, etoricoxib | Anti-inflammatory, gentler on the stomach |
| Corticosteroids | Prednisone | Powerful anti-inflammatory, given as courses |
| Compound analgesics | Products with codeine, caffeine, antihistamines | Stronger; dependence risk |
| Opioids | Codeine, tramadol | Moderate to severe pain; prescription |
That fifth row is where the crucial caution lies, and it is covered below. See the pain, inflammation and musculoskeletal medicines hub.
What to check before using Austell Paracetamol
Check everything else you are taking for paracetamol. This is the check that matters most with any paracetamol product. It is present in a great many combination products — cold and flu sachets and tablets, sinus preparations, cough mixtures, and prescription painkillers containing codeine or tramadol. Taking Austell Paracetamol on top of one of those means taking paracetamol twice, which is the most common route to serious accidental overdose.
Read the active ingredients on every product you are using, and ask a pharmacist if unsure.
Beyond that, speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you:
- Have liver disease, or drink alcohol heavily. Paracetamol is processed by the liver.
- Have kidney disease.
- Weigh under 50 kg, which affects the maximum safe amount.
- Are malnourished, have been eating very little, or have a condition causing weight loss — these reduce the liver’s reserves and lower the threshold for harm.
- Are buying for a child. Children are dosed by weight and age; adult tablets are not suitable for young children, and paediatric suspensions exist for this.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding. Paracetamol is generally regarded as the preferred painkiller, but confirm with your clinician and use it for the shortest time needed.
- Take warfarin. Regular paracetamol use can affect anticoagulation control.
Follow the pack instructions for how much and how often. This page does not set doses, and the maximum in 24 hours matters more with paracetamol than with most everyday medicines.
Possible cautions and when to ask a pharmacist or doctor
Taken as directed, paracetamol is well tolerated and side effects are uncommon. Allergic reactions are rare but possible.
Paracetamol overdose is a medical emergency, and it does not feel like one at first. Someone who has taken too much may feel entirely well for a day or more while serious liver damage develops. By the time symptoms appear, treatment is far less effective.
If you think you or someone else has taken too much — even if they seem fine, even if it was accidental, even if it was only somewhat over the limit — go to an emergency department immediately and take the packaging. There is an effective antidote, and it works best given early. Do not wait to see whether symptoms develop.
Get emergency help for swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, or a widespread blistering rash.
Otherwise:
- Do not exceed the stated maximum in 24 hours, and space doses as directed.
- Do not take it for more than a few days for a new pain without advice.
See a doctor if pain lasts beyond a few days, if fever persists past three days or returns, if pain is severe, or if other symptoms appear such as a rash, stiff neck, breathlessness or confusion. For a child, use a lower threshold.
Related medicine guides
- Browse Pain, Inflammation & Musculoskeletal Medicines guides
- Read: Prednisone used for
- Read: Donapan used for
Frequently asked questions
What is Austell Paracetamol 500 mg used for? Mild to moderate pain — headache, period pain, backache, toothache, body aches — and fever. It contains paracetamol 500 mg.
Is Austell the medicine? No. Austell is the manufacturer; paracetamol is the active ingredient. Always read the ingredient rather than the brand.
Is it the same as Panado? Both are South African paracetamol products. The active ingredient is the same; the manufacturer differs.
Can I take it with ibuprofen? They are different medicines and are often used together on advice. The risk is taking paracetamol twice through a combination product — check the ingredients of everything you take.
Is it safe in pregnancy? Paracetamol is generally regarded as the preferred painkiller in pregnancy. Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist and use it for the shortest time needed.
What if I have taken too much? Go to an emergency department immediately with the packaging, even if you feel well. Liver damage develops without early symptoms and the antidote works best given early.
Does it help swelling? Not much. Paracetamol has little anti-inflammatory effect — an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen usually works better for swelling.
How long can I take it for? A few days for a new pain without advice. Persistent pain needs a diagnosis.