Titan Drugs Assessment

Panadol

Street Names (Other names for the drug):

• Para

• Aceta (short for acetaminophen)

• Painkillers

• Tylenol (US brand)

What is Panadol?

Panadol is a pain relief and fever-reducing medicine. It’s one of the most commonly used drugs worldwide.

• It works by blocking signals in the brain that make us feel pain or increase body temperature.

• It does not reduce inflammation (swelling) like ibuprofen does.

• It’s used for headaches, toothaches, period pain, fevers, colds, and flu.

What does it look like?

How is it used?

• Swallowed with water, usually as 500mg tablets.

• Adults/teens: 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours, max 8 tablets in 24 hours.

• Always follow the label. Taking too much can cause serious liver damage.

What influences adolescents/teenagers to use drugs and why? (cover P.I.S influences)

Personal influences:

• Curiosity

• Trying to cope with pain, stress, or emotional problems

• Thinking It’s safe because it’s legal

Interpersonal influences:

• Peer pressure

• Friends or siblings using it unsafely

• Wanting to fit in or look tough

Societal influences:

• Easy to buy at supermarkets or pharmacies

• Seen in ads or online as safe and normal

• Lack of education on the dangers of overdose

Positives and negatives associated with the use of Panadol

Short-term positives:

• Physical: relieves pain, lowers fever

• Emotional: feel better, less stressed

• Social: easier to join in activities, school

• Intellectual: easier to concentrate

Short-term negatives:

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Stomach pain

• It could start damaging the liver

Long-term effects:

• Physical: serious liver damage, even death

• Mental/Emotional: regret, depression, anxiety

• Social: problems with friends/family if health declines

• Intellectual: trouble focusing if you’re sick all the time

How these effects are connected

If someone misuses Panadol and damages their liver, they might become tired, sick, and stressed. These affect their mental well-being. If they’re always sick, they may miss school and friends, which impacts their social health. When all of this happens, it lowers their confidence and self-worth.

Laws or restrictions on Panadol, and what are the penalties

• Panadol is legal and sold over the counter.

• You can buy it at pharmacies and supermarkets.

• It is not illegal to use Panadol, but misusing it (like overdosing on purpose or giving it to someone else dangerously) can lead to:

  • Medical emergencies

  • Hospitalisation

  • Legal trouble if someone gets seriously harmed

Strategies to stay safe with Panadol:

• Only take it when you actually need it.

• Follow the dosage on the box

• Don’t take more than one medicine with paracetamol at the same time.

• Never mix it with alcohol.

• Ask an adult or pharmacist if unsure.

• Don’t take it just to feel better emotionally; talk to someone instead.

• Keep it in a safe place, not lying around.

• Don’t give it to friends. Everyone’s body is different.

• Use healthy coping strategies: music, sport, and talk to someone.

Decision making

Scenario: It’s the start of the interval. Your friend texts:
“Come meet me behind the field to take Panadol together.”

A.  3 Options that I have:

• Go and take Panadol with your friend.

• Say no and walk away.

• Say no and suggest they talk to someone or get help.

B. Consequences of each option:

  1. Take Panadol with them

-Feel accepted by your friend(Positive)
     -Risk of overdose, liver damage(Negative)
     -Guilt or regret later(Negative)
     -Might feel sick or be unable to focus in class(Negative)

2. Say no and walk away
– Stay safe and healthy(Positive)
– Feel proud of doing the right thing(Positive)
-Might feel left out or awkward(Negative)

3. Say no and help them
-It might help your friend make a safer choice(Positive)
-Builds a positive friendship(Positive)
– Risk they get annoyed or ignore you(Negative)
– Shows leadership and care(Positive)

C. Feelings You Might Have

If you go:

• Short-term: excited, accepted

• Long-term: guilt, fear, regret, illness

If you say no and walk away:

• Short-term: awkward, nervous

• Long-term: relief, pride, confidence

If you help your friend:

• Short-term: nervous, unsure

• Long-term: proud, strong, helpful

D. Best option and how it affects Hauora

This supports all four parts of Hauora:

• Physical: You don’t harm your body

• Mental/Emotional: You feel proud and strong

• Social: You show care and respect to your friend

• Spiritual: You stay true to your values and beliefs