What is Panadol called in the USA? The Answer is Acetaminophen

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

The active ingredient in Panadol is internationally known as paracetamol, but this same chemical compound is called acetaminophen in the USA. For many people traveling or moving between countries, figuring out what is Panadol called in the USA can be a confusing but important distinction for proper medication use. This name difference is purely linguistic, with no change in the fundamental therapeutic properties of the drug.

Quick Summary

Panadol contains the active ingredient paracetamol, which is officially called acetaminophen in the U.S. Tylenol is the most common US brand for this medication, though many store and generic versions also contain acetaminophen. The drugs are interchangeable, but dosage guidelines and product formulations should always be followed carefully for safety.

Key Points

Panadol's Active Ingredient: Panadol's active ingredient is paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the U.S..
Tylenol is the US Equivalent: The most common US brand containing acetaminophen is Tylenol.
Generic Name is Acetaminophen: In the U.S., the generic version of the drug is sold as acetaminophen.
Safety First: The primary safety concern is liver damage from overdose, so it is crucial to check all medications for acetaminophen to avoid taking too much.
Not an Anti-Inflammatory: Acetaminophen relieves pain and fever but does not treat inflammation, unlike NSAID alternatives.

Panadol vs. Acetaminophen: The International Naming Convention

The confusion between Panadol and US pain relievers stems from a simple difference in naming conventions. In much of the world, including Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, the generic name for the active ingredient is 'paracetamol'. The World Health Organization uses the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) system, which designates paracetamol. However, in the United States, the drug is officially recognized as 'acetaminophen,' a designation from the United States Adopted Names (USAN) system. Chemically, they are identical: both refer to the compound N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (APAP).

This discrepancy is similar to other medication names that vary by country. The effect and function of the medicine are exactly the same, but the name is adapted for regional markets and regulatory standards. For consumers, the most important takeaway is to identify the active ingredient, not the brand name, to avoid accidental overdose when using different products.

The Common US Equivalent: Tylenol

While Panadol is a familiar brand in many countries, Tylenol is the most widely recognized brand name for acetaminophen in the United States. Produced by Kenvue (formerly a Johnson & Johnson company), Tylenol offers a variety of products, including regular strength, extra strength, and extended-release versions for adults, as well as specific formulations for infants and children.

In addition to the name Tylenol, consumers in the US can find countless store-brand and generic options that also contain acetaminophen. Retailers like Walmart (Equate), Target (Up & Up), and Walgreens all sell their own acetaminophen products, which are typically more affordable than the Tylenol brand.

Other Common Acetaminophen-Containing Products in the US

Acetaminophen is a staple ingredient in a wide array of combination medications for treating cold, flu, and allergy symptoms. This is a critical point for safety, as taking multiple medications that contain acetaminophen simultaneously can lead to an overdose.

Here are some examples of combination products containing acetaminophen commonly found in the US:

Excedrin: Used for headache and migraine, it combines acetaminophen with aspirin and caffeine.
NyQuil/DayQuil: A popular cold and flu treatment that includes acetaminophen along with other ingredients like cough suppressants and decongestants.
Midol: Products formulated for menstrual symptom relief often include acetaminophen.
Percocet: A prescription medication containing both acetaminophen and the opioid pain reliever oxycodone.

Important Considerations for Safe Use

Regardless of whether it is called paracetamol or acetaminophen, the medication functions as both an analgesic (pain reliever) and an antipyretic (fever reducer). It is effective for a variety of mild to moderate aches and pains, such as headaches, muscle aches, and menstrual cramps. However, unlike nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation.

Liver Toxicity

The most significant safety warning associated with acetaminophen is the risk of liver damage, particularly from overdose. It is vital to read the label of every medication to ensure you are not accidentally doubling up on acetaminophen from multiple sources, such as taking Tylenol alongside a multi-symptom cold remedy. Individuals with pre-existing liver disease or those who consume three or more alcoholic beverages per day should consult a doctor before taking acetaminophen.

Panadol vs. US Alternatives: A Quick Comparison


Feature	Panadol	Tylenol (US) & Acetaminophen
Active Ingredient	Paracetamol	Acetaminophen
Chemical Formula	C8H9NO2	C8H9NO2
Primary Use	Mild to moderate pain relief, fever reduction	Mild to moderate pain relief, fever reduction
Anti-Inflammatory?	No	No
Brand Recognition	High, outside the US (Europe, Australia, etc.)	High, within the US
Availability	Available in some US stores (imported) and online, but less common.	Widely available over-the-counter (OTC) in the US in pharmacies and retail stores.
Generic Equivalent	Generics are sold as paracetamol internationally	Generics and store brands are sold as acetaminophen in the US.

Conclusion: Panadol is Acetaminophen in the USA

The fundamental takeaway is that Panadol's active ingredient is paracetamol, which is chemically identical to acetaminophen in the USA. While the brand name Panadol is not the standard in the US, the same pain-relieving and fever-reducing medication is readily available under the brand name Tylenol, as well as numerous generic and store-brand acetaminophen products. For anyone needing to purchase this common pain reliever in the United States, simply look for 'Tylenol' or, more broadly, for the generic name 'acetaminophen' on the label. As with any medication, always follow the recommended guidelines on the product label and be cautious of combination products to ensure safe and effective use. For specific medical advice, consulting with a healthcare provider is always the best course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Panadol and Tylenol are essentially the same medication because they both contain the identical active ingredient, which is known as paracetamol (Panadol's name) outside the U.S. and acetaminophen (Tylenol's name) inside the U.S..

The difference is due to international naming conventions. Many countries, following the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) system, use the name 'paracetamol,' while the U.S. and Japan use 'acetaminophen' under the United States Adopted Names (USAN) system.

While the active ingredient, acetaminophen, is widely available in the U.S., the brand name 'Panadol' is not standard. You can find acetaminophen under the brand name Tylenol or as a generic version. Some imported Panadol products may be available from specific retailers or online.

Yes, it is dangerous to take both at the same time. Since both contain the same active ingredient (acetaminophen/paracetamol), you would be taking a double dose. This significantly increases the risk of a liver overdose.

Neither is necessarily 'better,' but they treat different things. Acetaminophen (Panadol) relieves pain and fever but does not reduce inflammation. Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), treats pain, fever, and inflammation. The right choice depends on the specific symptoms you are treating.

Always check the 'Active Ingredients' section of the drug facts label on any over-the-counter medication. The label will clearly state if acetaminophen is present, even in combination products for cold or flu relief.

In case of an overdose, get medical help immediately, even if you feel well. Quick medical attention is critical for adults and children. Contact a Poison Control Center right away.