Drug name: Panadol
The main ingredient in Panadol is paracetamol. Panadol is a medicine used to reduce pain and fever.
Description :
Panadol is a pain-relief medicine. It is used to help people with mild to moderate pain and fever.
People may use it for:
- Headaches
- Toothache
- Muscle aches
- Fever
- Other common types of pain
When it is used correctly, Panadol can reduce pain and help a person feel more comfortable.
However, it is important to remember that more does not mean better. Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.
How is it used?
Panadol is taken as a medicine.
Depending on the product, it can be taken as:
- A tablet or caplet
- Liquid medicine
The instructions on the packet should always be followed.
It is important to take only the recommended amount. A person should also check other medicines they are taking because some cold and flu medicines can also contain paracetamol.
Taking too much paracetamol can seriously damage the liver.
Why might some teenagers use drugs?
There are many reasons why a teenager might decide to use a drug or medicine in an unsafe way.
1. Peer pressure
A teenager might feel pressure from friends to try something because they do not want to feel left out.
2. Curiosity
A teenager might be curious and want to know what a drug does or what it feels like.
3. Stress or problems
Some teenagers may be dealing with stress, problems at school, family problems or difficult feelings. They might think a drug will help them feel better.
These reasons can explain why someone might make an unsafe choice, but they do not make the choice safe.
Positives and Negatives of Panadol
Short-term positive effects
When Panadol is used correctly, it can:
- Reduce pain.
- Reduce fever.
- Make a person feel more comfortable.
- Help a person continue normal activities when they have mild pain.
For example, if someone has a headache, the correct amount of Panadol may help reduce the pain.
Short-term negative effects
Panadol can become dangerous when it is not used correctly.
Problems can happen if:
- A person takes too much.
- A person takes it when they do not need it.
- A person takes more than one medicine containing paracetamol.
- A person does not follow the instructions on the packet.
Long-term and serious effects
Taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.
This can affect a person’s:
Physical wellbeing:
Their liver can be seriously damaged.
Mental and emotional wellbeing:
They may feel scared, worried or stressed if they become seriously unwell.
Social wellbeing:
They may need help from family, friends or health professionals and may not be able to do their normal activities.
Overall hauora:
A serious medicine overdose can affect several parts of a person’s wellbeing, not just their physical health.
Therefore, Panadol should be used carefully and according to the instructions.
What are the laws in New Zealand?
Panadol is a legal medicine in New Zealand, but there are rules about medicines.
Law 1 — Medicines have different classifications
New Zealand medicines can have different legal classifications. Some medicines can be sold generally, while others can only be supplied through a pharmacy or with other restrictions.
Law 2 — Some Panadol products are pharmacy-only
Some Panadol products are classified as pharmacy-only medicines. This means they have rules about how they can be supplied and sold.
Law 3 — Medicines must have safety information
Medicine packaging must provide important information about safe use. For paracetamol, this includes warnings about following the recommended dose and avoiding other medicines that also contain paracetamol.
Why these laws are important:
These rules help protect people from using medicines incorrectly or taking unsafe amounts.
Strategies to Keep Teenagers Safe
There are several things a teenager can do to stay safe around Panadol and other medicines.
Strategy 1 — Follow the instructions
Read the packet and follow the recommended dose. Never take more because you think it will work faster.
Strategy 2 — Check other medicines
Before taking another medicine, check whether it also contains paracetamol. This can help prevent accidentally taking too much.
Strategy 3 — Ask an adult or health professional
If you are unsure about a medicine, ask a parent, caregiver, doctor or pharmacist.
Strategy 4 — Do not take someone else’s medicine
A medicine that is suitable for one person may not be suitable for another person.
Strategy 5 — Speak up when there is pressure
If a friend encourages you to take medicine when you do not need it, you can say:
“No, I don’t want to take it. Let’s do something else.”
You can also leave the situation and talk to a trusted adult.
How these strategies protect hauora
These strategies protect:
- Taha tinana — physical health
- Taha hinengaro — thoughts and feelings
- Taha whānau — relationships with family and friends
- Taha wairua — values and sense of what is right for you
Making a safe decision can help protect a person’s overall hauora.
Decision Making
Scenario
It is the start of interval. You receive a text from your friend. Your friend tells you to meet them at the back of the field to use Panadol with them.
Option 1 — Go with my friend and take the Panadol
Consequences
I could be putting my health at risk because I do not need to take medicine just because my friend wants me to. If I take too much, I could become seriously unwell.
Feelings
Positive: I might feel included because my friend wants me there.
Negative: I could later feel worried, scared or regretful about my decision.
Effect on hauora
This could negatively affect my physical and mental wellbeing. It could also affect my relationship with my family if they became worried about me.
Option 2 — Say no and stay with other friends
Consequences
I avoid taking medicine when I do not need it. My friend might be disappointed, but I protect my health.
Feelings
Positive: I could feel proud and confident because I made my own safe decision.
Negative: I might feel nervous about saying no or worried that my friend might be upset.
Effect on hauora
This protects my physical health and helps me feel confident about making a safe decision.
Option 3 — Tell a trusted teacher or adult
Consequences
A teacher or trusted adult can help keep me and my friend safe. They can also help if my friend is feeling pressured or making unsafe choices.
Feelings
Positive: I could feel relieved because I have asked someone for help.
Negative: I might feel embarrassed or worried that my friend will be angry.
Effect on hauora
This can protect my physical and mental wellbeing and can also help protect my friend.
Best Option and Why
My best option is Option 2 — Say no and stay with other friends.
I think this is the best choice for my hauora because I am protecting my physical health and making my own decision instead of following peer pressure.
I might feel nervous when I say no, but I would probably feel proud afterwards because I made a safe choice.
If I was worried about my friend, I could also tell a trusted teacher or adult.
My decision shows that I can think about the consequences before making a choice and take responsibility for my own wellbeing.
Conclusion
Panadol is a useful medicine when it is used correctly.It can help reduce pain and fever, but taking too much can be dangerous and can seriously damage the liver. Teenages may experience peer pressure, curiousity or stress that can lead to unsafe decisions.It is important to understand the risks, follow medicine instructions and ask a trusted adult or health proffectional when unsure. Making Making safe choices protects not only physical wellbeing, but also mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Good decision-making can help protect a person’s overall hauora.