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As of February 2025, the TGA is reducing paracetamol pack sizes to minimise the risk of overdose, especially in children and young people. Paracetamol is one of the most commonly misused over-the-counter medicines.

What the changes mean
• The new maximum size for paracetamol packs available in pharmacies without the supervision of a pharmacist will be 50 tablets. Larger packs will still be available but will be kept behind the counter and sold under pharmacist supervision (Pharmacist Only Medicines).
• Additionally, paracetamol tablets will no longer be allowed to be sold in bottles; instead, they will be required to be in blister packaging.
• Children’s liquid preparations, such as Panadol Liquid, will not be affected by these changes.

Each year in Australia, around 225 people are hospitalised with liver injury, and 50 people die from paracetamol overdose, with the rates of intentional overdose highest among adolescents and young adults. It is hoped these changes will reduce the risk of paracetamol-related issues within the community.

Products affected include Panadol 100 Tablets, Panamax 100 Tablets, and Panadol Rapid 80 Caplets, amongst others.