What is the Difference Between Panadol and Panadol Rapid?

Panadol and Panadol Rapid are both pain relievers that contain paracetamol as their active ingredient. However, there are some differences between the two products:

1. Absorption: Panadol Rapid contains sodium bicarbonate, which allows it to be absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol Tablets. This means that Panadol Rapid starts working faster, providing quicker pain relief from headaches, toothaches, and body aches.
2. Caffeine: Panadol Rapid also contains caffeine, which helps increase the speed of absorption of paracetamol. This is why it is recommended to take Panadol Rapid on an empty stomach, as it makes all medications absorb faster.
3. Format: Panadol Rapid is available in caplet form, which is oval-shaped and film-coated, making it easier to swallow and leaving no bitter aftertaste.
4. Price: Due to the additional sodium bicarbonate and caffeine in Panadol Rapid, the cost of Panadol Rapid is relatively higher than regular Panadol.

In summary, the main differences between Panadol and Panadol Rapid are the absorption rate, the presence of caffeine, the format, and the price. Both products have the same active ingredient, paracetamol, and are used for similar purposes, such as relieving pain and reducing fever.

Comparative Table: Panadol vs Panadol Rapid

The main difference between Panadol and Panadol Rapid lies in the absorption rate. Panadol Rapid contains sodium bicarbonate, which enables it to be absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol tablets. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Both Panadol and Panadol Rapid are gentle on the stomach and have the same adverse effect profile. The only significant difference is the time taken for the drug to act, with Panadol Rapid providing faster pain relief.