Caffeine formulations
Several Panadol Cold & Flu products are specially formulated with caffeine
Caffeine is widely distributed throughout the body. The mean plasma protein binding of caffeine is approximately 35%5.
Caffeine is an analgesic adjuvant for paracetamol,2-4
The *analgesic adjuvant effects of caffeine are proposed to result from several mechanisms:7,8
- Blockade of the peripheral pronociceptive actions of adenosine
- Activation of central noradrenergic pathways that constitute an endogenous pain suppressing system
- Central nervous system stimulation with a consequent modulation of the affective component of pain
*A minimum concentration of 65mg caffeine in a single dose is required to have a statistically significant adjuvant effect.
Panadol Cold & Flu formulations contain 25mg per single dose. Coffee and tea have an estimated caffeine content of 0 – 96mg/237ml and 2-47mg/237ml respectively depending on the variant.
Caffeine enhances the analgesic effect of paracetamol4
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Caffeine is metabolised almost completely (~99%) in the liver via oxidation and demethylation to various xanthine derivatives, which are excreted in the urine.4
Increases the effectiveness of paracetamol
Paracetamol-caffeine combinations have been shown to provide superior pain relief compared to paracetamol alone.4
Oral Administration
After oral administration, caffeine is completely and rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract with peak concentrations occurring between 5 and 120 minutes depending on the dose, health status, and co-medications in fasted subjects.5
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A clinical study found that caffeine (60mg) increases the bioavailability of paracetamol5
The influence of caffeine (60 mg) on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of acetaminophen (500 mg single dose) was studied in 10 healthy male human volunteers in a complete cross‐over design. High‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to analyse serum drug concentrations.1
Caffeine caused a highly significant (p< 0.01) increase in AUC and AUMC, a significant (p<0.05) increase in Cmax, and a significant (p<0.05) decrease in clearance (Cl/F) of acetaminophen.1
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Side Effects
Adverse reactions reported for caffeine include dizziness, headache, insomnia, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, nervousness, heart palpitation, and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Note that combining caffeine-containing medicinal products with dietary caffeine intake may increase the potential for caffeine-related adverse effects.4
Discover the Panadol Cold & Flu range with caffeine
Panadol Cold & Flu Day
Panadol Cold & Flu Day contains caffeine. In addition, this product also contains Paracetamol and Phenylephrine.6
Panadol Cold & Flu – Your Cold & Flu Partner
The Panadol Cold & Flu range
Find out how the PanadolCold & Flurange can help your patients.
