Paracetamol Supply Changes

Paracetamol (such as Panadol or Panamax) is a commonly used medicine in Australia, often used for the pain management of conditions such as headache or period pain. Paracetamol is safe and effective for most people when taken at the recommended dose. But if taken at higher doses, it can be dangerous and may cause serious harm.

To help reduce the risk of intentional overdose, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has made a change to the way you can access paracetamol products based on pack size. These changes will take effect from 1 February 2025.

What do the changes mean?
From 1 February 2025, new restrictions on paracetamol will:

• Paracetamol packs available for general sale in supermarkets and convenience stores will contain a maximum of 16 tablets or caplets.
• Paracetamol packs in pharmacy available for self-selection will contain less than 50 tablets or caplets
• Paracetamol packs containing more than 50 tablets or caplets, will move behind the counter in pharmacies, requiring an interaction with a pharmacist to purchase these products. 

Paracetamol tablets and capsules for both general and pharmacy sale will also be required to be in blister packaging. The maximum size of Pharmacy Medicine packs of individually wrapped powders or sachets of granules containing paracetamol will also be reduced in line with tablet and capsule packs.

How can I use paracetamol safely?
Making small changes to how you buy, use and store paracetamol medicines will help to reduce the risk of any accidental or intentional harm.

  • Buy and use paracetamol safely. 
  • Buy only what you need. 
  • Keep in a secure location. 
  • Check to avoid double dosing. 
  • Call 000 if an overdose occurs.

Tips for buying paracetamol:

  • only buy what you need
  • avoid stockpiling paracetamol products in your medicine cupboard
  • look at the active ingredients of all products before buying them – paracetamol is often in other medicines like cold and flu products.

Tips for using paracetamol:

  • make sure you’re taking the right amount:
  • for adults, this is no more than 1 gram of paracetamol (e.g. 2 x 500mg tablets or capsules) every 4 to 6 hours, with a maximum of 4 grams a day
  • for children, it depends on their body weight. Parents and carers should carefully read the directions for use on the labels and speak to their doctor or a pharmacist for advice
  • if you are taking other medicines, such as cold and flu products, check the labels to see if they contain paracetamol to avoid taking a double dose
  • always check it is safe to use paracetamol with other medicines you are taking.

Tips for storing paracetamol:

  • store in a secure location, out of reach of children
  • look at how much paracetamol you have in the home – check the medicine cupboard, bedside tables and in handbags and carry bags
  • keep a small amount of paracetamol accessible, and put the rest somewhere it can’t easily be found, like a lockable drawer.


If an overdose occurs, call 000 or go to a hospital Emergency department as soon as possible. You can also contact the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice.