PANADREX 125mg Rectal Suppositories

What is PANADREX 125mg

PANADREX 125mg Rectal Suppositories is a pediatric formulation of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) used primarily for pain relief and fever reduction in children. This form is particularly helpful when oral administration is not feasible—such as in cases of vomiting, unconsciousness, or feeding difficulties.

• Active ingredient: Paracetamol 125mg
• Form: Rectal suppository
• Packaging: 10 suppositories (5 per blister × 2)
• Indications: Fever, mild to moderate pain (e.g., post-vaccination fever, teething, flu symptoms)

This formulation ensures quick absorption through the rectal mucosa and provides an alternative route for medication in pediatric patients who cannot tolerate oral intake.

Advantages of suppository form:

• Useful in vomiting or non-cooperative children
• Avoids gastrointestinal irritation
• Convenient for nighttime fever management

Panadrex suppositories are designed for safe, effective symptom control with a good tolerability profile when used appropriately under medical guidance.

How to use PANADREX 125mg

Using rectal suppositories requires proper technique to ensure effectiveness and comfort. Always follow medical advice or package instructions when using PANADREX 125mg.

• Step-by-step administration:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling the suppository.
  • If needed, chill the suppository in the refrigerator for a few minutes to make insertion easier.
  • Remove the suppository from the foil wrapping gently.
  • Have your child lie on their side with knees pulled toward the chest (Sims' position).
  • Gently insert the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first. Push it in about 2–3 cm (just past the sphincter).
  • Hold the buttocks together for a few seconds to prevent it from slipping out.

Tips for best use:

• Avoid inserting damaged or melted suppositories.
• Use a water-based lubricant if needed to ease insertion.
• Do not split the suppository unless explicitly advised by a healthcare provider.

Remain with your child for a few minutes after administration to ensure the medication stays in place. Always check with a pediatrician for specific dosing and frequency based on age and weight.

Mode of Action PANADREX 125mg

Paracetamol, the active component in PANADREX suppositories, exerts its effect through central mechanisms, making it a trusted and widely used analgesic and antipyretic for children.

• Analgesic effect: It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the central nervous system (specifically COX-3), which reduces the sensation of pain by elevating the pain threshold.
• Antipyretic effect: It acts on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center, promoting heat loss through vasodilation and sweating, thus lowering elevated body temperatures.
• Absorption via rectal route: The suppository is absorbed through the rectal mucosa, entering systemic circulation quickly without first-pass metabolism in the liver, although bioavailability may be slightly variable.

Paracetamol is preferred in pediatrics due to its low risk of gastrointestinal irritation and absence of anti-inflammatory effects that can affect platelet function or kidney performance—common with NSAIDs.

Key features of rectal administration:

• Ideal when oral intake is not possible
• Onset of action is typically within 30–60 minutes
• Duration of action lasts approximately 4–6 hours

Its dual action makes PANADREX a go-to choice for rapid, gentle, and safe relief from fever and discomfort in pediatric populations.

PANADREX 125mg Interactions PANADREX 125mg

Although PANADREX suppositories are generally safe, interactions can occur when used with certain other medications or substances. Always inform your healthcare provider of all treatments your child is receiving.

• Other Paracetamol products: Taking additional paracetamol orally or through other means increases the risk of liver damage.
• Enzyme inducers: Medications such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampicin increase the liver’s metabolism of paracetamol, potentially reducing efficacy and increasing hepatotoxic risk.
• Chronic alcohol use (for older children/adolescents): May enhance hepatotoxicity due to induced liver enzymes.
• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Prolonged use may affect clotting parameters, increasing the risk of bleeding.

Precautionary advice:

• Always check the ingredients of any combination products being used simultaneously.
• Consult your doctor before combining PANADREX with any regular or long-term medication.
• For children on antiepileptics or antibiotics like isoniazid, dose adjustments may be necessary.

Though rectal administration limits some gastrointestinal drug interactions, systemic effects remain. Medical supervision is key in multi-drug scenarios.

Dosage of PANADREX 125mg

The correct dosage of PANADREX 125mg suppositories depends primarily on your child’s weight and age. Always follow the doctor’s instructions or package guidelines strictly.

• General dosage: 10–15 mg/kg of body weight per dose, every 4–6 hours as needed
• Maximum daily dose: Should not exceed 60 mg/kg or 4 doses in 24 hours

Sample dosage guide:

• 6–12 months (7–10 kg): 1 suppository every 6 hours as needed
• 1–3 years (10–15 kg): 1 suppository every 4–6 hours as needed

Usage instructions:

• Do not exceed 4 suppositories in a 24-hour period.
• Minimum interval between doses should be 4 hours.
• Do not use for more than 3 days without medical advice.

Children who do not respond adequately should be reassessed by a healthcare provider. Never adjust doses without consultation.

Possible side effects of PANADREX 125mg

While PANADREX suppositories are well tolerated, like any medicine, they can occasionally cause side effects. Most are mild and resolve without medical intervention.

• Common side effects:
  • Irritation at the site of insertion
  • Loose stools or minor rectal discomfort
• Uncommon effects:
  • Nausea or mild abdominal cramps
  • Sleepiness or dizziness (rare)
• Serious but rare side effects:
  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, itching)
  • Severe liver damage in overdose scenarios
  • Very rarely: blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia or agranulocytosis

Signs of overdose or toxicity:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue, confusion, or jaundice (yellowing skin/eyes)

If any of these symptoms appear, especially signs of allergic reaction or overdose, discontinue use and seek immediate medical attention.

PANADREX 125mg Contraindications PANADREX 125mg

There are several clinical scenarios in which the use of PANADREX 125mg should be avoided or used with caution. Safety must always come first, especially in children.

• Absolute contraindications:
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to paracetamol
  • Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
  • Recent rectal bleeding, inflammation, or surgery
• Relative contraindications:
  • Severe malnutrition or dehydration
  • Children with underlying metabolic or mitochondrial disorders
  • Rectal anatomical abnormalities (e.g., fissures, prolapse)

Always consult a pediatrician before initiating treatment, especially in children under 6 months of age or those with chronic health conditions. Alternative routes or formulations may be more appropriate in some cases.

Storage of PANADREX 125mg

Proper storage ensures the potency and safety of PANADREX suppositories throughout their shelf life.

• Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F). Do not refrigerate unless specifically stated.
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place. Moisture may compromise the suppository form.
• Packaging: Keep suppositories in the original blister packaging to protect from light and physical damage.
• Keep out of reach of children: Store in a secure location.

Special notes:

• Do not use if the suppository appears melted, discolored, or deformed.
• Check the expiry date regularly and discard expired medicine responsibly.
• Do not flush unused suppositories. Dispose of them via pharmacy take-back programs or as per local waste disposal regulations.