Pregesic Tablet 500mg / 70mg / 3mg

About Pregesic Tablet 500mg / 70mg / 3mg

Pregesic Tablet 500mg / 70mg / 3mg Uses

• Mild to moderate pain relief, including headache, toothache, and backache
• Fever reduction
• Historically used for dysmenorrhea and tension type muscular pain
• Non-articular rheumatism and general musculoskeletal discomfort

Pregesic Tablet 500mg / 70mg / 3mg Benefits

• Combines an analgesic with a mild stimulant component intended to enhance pain relief
• A single tablet historically addressed both pain and fever together

What Experts Say

Paracetamol combined with a small dose of caffeine has some evidence of enhanced analgesic effect compared to paracetamol taken alone, which is why several older Pakistani analgesic brands used this pairing for headaches and general body aches.

The addition of thioridazine, an older antipsychotic once used for anxiety and sedation, has no established analgesic rationale and is not part of any recognized international pain management guideline. Regulators worldwide, including in Pakistan, view this specific three way combination as clinically unjustified, since the sedative benefit does not outweigh the documented cardiac risk it carries.

Health authorities favor simpler and safer paracetamol based combinations, such as paracetamol with caffeine alone, over formulations that add an antipsychotic agent purely for a sedative or muscle relaxant effect. Pharmacovigilance reviews of this combination specifically cite the risk of QT interval prolongation as the deciding factor behind its suspension in Pakistan.

Drug Class

• Analgesic and Antipyretic Combination with an Antipsychotic Component

Pregesic Tablet 500mg / 70mg / 3mg formula

• Paracetamol + Caffeine + Thioridazine

Available forms

• Tablet

How to use Pregesic Tablet 500mg / 70mg / 3mg?

• This tablet should only be used under a doctor's direct supervision given its suspended regulatory status in Pakistan.
• A dose is generally not repeated more than three to four times in a day when specifically prescribed.
• Doses are generally taken after food to reduce stomach irritation.
• This medicine should not be combined with any other paracetamol containing product, to avoid an accidental overdose.

Drug Interactions

• Other Antipsychotic Medicines: Combined use increases sedation and cardiac rhythm risk.
• QT Prolonging Drugs: Certain antibiotics and antiarrhythmic medicines raise the risk of dangerous heart rhythm changes when combined with thioridazine.
• Alcohol: Increases both sedation and the risk of liver damage from the paracetamol component.
• Other Paracetamol Containing Products: Combined use raises the risk of accidental paracetamol overdose.
• Other CNS Depressants: Sedatives, sleep aids, and certain antihistamines add to drowsiness.

Risks and warnings

• Regulatory Status: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan suspended registration of this exact paracetamol, thioridazine, and caffeine combination, naming Pregesic specifically, due to a lack of established safety and efficacy data.
• Cardiac Risk: Thioridazine was withdrawn worldwide by its original manufacturer because of serious heart rhythm disturbances, including QT interval prolongation.
• Medical Supervision Required: Health authorities have advised patients using this combination to consult a doctor about safer alternative pain relief options.
• Sedation: The thioridazine component can cause drowsiness, so driving or operating machinery is not advised after taking it.
• Liver Risk from Overdose: The paracetamol component can cause serious liver damage in overdose, particularly when combined with alcohol.

Pregesic Tablet 500mg / 70mg / 3mg Side Effects

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• A drop in blood pressure on standing up
• Irregular heartbeat, which can be serious
• Skin rash
• Liver enzyme elevation with prolonged use

Storage Conditions

• Store below 30°C in a dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Discard the tablets if they appear discolored or damaged.