PANADREX 250mg Rectal Suppositories

What is PANADREX 250mg

PANADREX 250mg Rectal Suppositories is a pediatric and adolescent analgesic and antipyretic medication formulated for rectal administration. It contains Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) as the active ingredient, which is widely trusted for its effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing fever.

• Generic Name: Paracetamol
• Strength: 250mg per suppository
• Form: Rectal suppository
• Packaging: 10 suppositories (2 blisters × 5 suppositories each)

Rectal suppositories are particularly useful for children who are:

• Unable or unwilling to take oral medication
• Vomiting or nauseated
• Sleeping or unconscious

This form of paracetamol ensures safe, consistent delivery when oral intake is not practical. The 250mg dose is typically suitable for children aged 4–8 years, depending on weight and clinical judgment. PANADREX suppositories are manufactured with child-friendly, gentle materials that dissolve easily in the rectum for rapid systemic absorption.

How to use PANADREX 250mg

Administering PANADREX 250mg suppositories correctly ensures optimal effect and minimizes discomfort. This form is intended for rectal use only and should never be swallowed or used in any other way.

• Preparation steps:
  • Wash your hands thoroughly.
  • Store the suppository in the refrigerator if it feels soft. A firmer suppository is easier to insert.
  • Remove the suppository carefully from its blister pack without damaging its shape.
• Administration procedure:
  • Position your child lying on their left side with knees slightly bent (Sims' position).
  • Apply a water-based lubricant if needed to ease insertion.
  • Insert the pointed end of the suppository gently into the rectum, about 2–3 cm deep.
  • Hold the buttocks together for a few seconds to help retain the suppository.

Post-administration tips:

• Keep the child lying down for 5–10 minutes to ensure the suppository stays in place.
• Dispose of used wrappers and wash hands thoroughly.
• Do not use damaged or melted suppositories.

This method ensures effective absorption of the medication, bypassing the digestive system and offering quick relief of symptoms like fever or mild pain.

Mode of Action PANADREX 250mg

Paracetamol (the active ingredient in PANADREX 250mg) acts centrally in the body to provide both analgesic (pain-relieving) and antipyretic (fever-reducing) effects. Unlike NSAIDs, it has minimal anti-inflammatory properties and does not irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

• Analgesic Mechanism:
  • Paracetamol inhibits cyclooxygenase enzymes (especially COX-3) in the brain and spinal cord.
  • This reduces the production of prostaglandins, substances responsible for pain and inflammation.
  • As a result, the pain threshold is increased, making pain signals less intense.
• Antipyretic Mechanism:
  • It acts on the hypothalamus (body’s temperature control center).
  • Enhances heat loss through vasodilation and sweating.
  • This helps in lowering raised body temperature.

Rectal Absorption Characteristics:

• Paracetamol is absorbed through the rectal mucosa into systemic circulation.
• Onset of action is usually within 30–60 minutes.
• Duration of action is about 4–6 hours.

This dual-action mechanism makes PANADREX an effective option for managing febrile illnesses, headaches, teething pain, or mild musculoskeletal discomfort in children.

PANADREX 250mg Interactions PANADREX 250mg

Though paracetamol has a favorable safety profile, it may still interact with other medications. Awareness of these interactions ensures safe co-administration.

• Common interactions include:
  • Other paracetamol products: Increases the risk of overdose and liver toxicity.
  • Enzyme-inducing drugs: Phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampicin may reduce the efficacy of paracetamol and increase liver toxicity risk.
  • Chronic alcohol use: In older children or teens, regular alcohol exposure can worsen liver toxicity.
  • Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin): Long-term use of paracetamol may enhance anticoagulant effect, leading to increased bleeding risk.

Precautionary measures:

• Review all concurrent medications to avoid duplicate paracetamol use.
• Inform the healthcare provider if the child is on long-term medication for epilepsy, tuberculosis, or infections.
• Instruct caregivers to avoid OTC flu remedies containing paracetamol unless advised.

Although rectal delivery bypasses some gastrointestinal drug interactions, systemic absorption means interactions remain relevant and must be monitored.

Dosage of PANADREX 250mg

Proper dosing of PANADREX 250mg depends on your child’s age and weight. Always follow healthcare provider recommendations and avoid self-adjusting the dose.

• Recommended dose: 10–15 mg/kg body weight per dose
• Maximum daily dose: Not to exceed 60 mg/kg/day or 4 doses in 24 hours

Typical usage guide:

• Age 4–8 years (approx. 15–25 kg): 1 suppository (250mg) every 4–6 hours as needed

Important considerations:

• Minimum interval between doses: 4 hours
• Maximum number of doses per day: 4
• Do not exceed the stated dose to avoid liver damage
• Consult a physician if symptoms persist beyond 3 days

Doses may vary based on the clinical condition, body weight, and individual response. In cases where a child weighs between dosage thresholds, a different strength may be more suitable.

Possible side effects of PANADREX 250mg

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated, especially in children, but side effects may occur in rare cases. Most adverse events are mild and transient.

• Common side effects:
  • Rectal discomfort or irritation
  • Loose stools after administration
• Uncommon side effects:
  • Nausea or abdominal cramps
  • Fatigue or drowsiness
• Rare but serious effects:
  • Allergic reactions (rash, swelling of lips or face, hives)
  • Liver toxicity, especially with overdose
  • Blood disorders (very rare) such as thrombocytopenia

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Child develops yellowing of eyes or skin
• There are signs of anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, swelling)
• More than the recommended dose was administered

Monitoring your child during treatment helps in early detection of adverse reactions and ensures safe usage.

PANADREX 250mg Contraindications PANADREX 250mg

While PANADREX is safe for most pediatric patients, there are situations where its use should be avoided or used only under strict medical guidance.

• Absolute contraindications:
  • Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol
  • Severe hepatic impairment or active liver disease
  • Rectal diseases (e.g., proctitis, recent rectal surgery, bleeding hemorrhoids)
• Relative contraindications:
  • Children with metabolic liver diseases
  • Severe malnutrition or dehydration
  • Persistent high fever requiring further diagnostic work-up

Always consult a physician before using PANADREX suppositories in young children under 2 years or those with chronic medical conditions. Misuse or overuse can result in avoidable complications, especially liver damage.

Storage of PANADREX 250mg

Storing PANADREX suppositories correctly is essential for maintaining the integrity, safety, and effectiveness of the medicine.

• Temperature: Store at room temperature below 25°C (77°F)
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place, away from moisture and direct sunlight
• Packaging: Do not remove suppositories from the blister pack until ready to use

Do not use if:

• The suppository appears soft, deformed, or discolored
• The packaging is damaged or tampered with
• Past the expiry date indicated on the box

Disposal:

• Do not flush unused medicine down the toilet
• Dispose of via pharmacy take-back programs or local medical waste guidelines

Keep PANADREX out of reach and sight of children when not in use to prevent accidental ingestion or misuse.