Paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) is the most widely used medication in Nigeria and arguably the most recognised drug name in the country. From the roadside chemist in Oshodi to the pharmacy in Wuse, you will find paracetamol on every shelf. It is a non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic, meaning it relieves pain and reduces fever without the risks associated with stronger painkillers. Almost every Nigerian household keeps paracetamol at home as the go-to remedy for headaches, body pain, and fever, especially during malaria episodes.
In the NAFDAC register
373 registered products
from 184 registration holders
+2 more countries
What it costs online
about ₦875tablets
median of 7 listings
Also sampled: syrup (9 listings, ₦750–₦2,650) · drops (4 listings, ₦900–₦2,050)
≈₦20 per ml (syrup/suspension)
0% since July 2026 · like-for-like
Sampled from 20 listings across HealthPlus and MedPlus and NettPharmacy and Supermart.ng · August 2026
Full price breakdown →Brands of Paracetamol in Nigeria
Comes as
- Tablet500 mg· 20 makers
- Injection300 mg/2 mL· 12 makers
- Caplet500 mg· 8 makers
- Syrup125 mg/5 mL· 8 makers
- Suspension120 mg/5 mL· 4 makers
- Solution for infusion1000 mg/100 mL· 3 makers
In combinations: Paracetamol + Caffeine · Paracetamol + Diphenhydramine HCl · Diclofenac Sodium + Paracetamol · Ibuprofen + Paracetamol + Caffeine · Paracetamol + Caffeine + Phenylephrine + Chlorphenamine · Diclofenac + Paracetamol
Those 373 products from 184 registration holders include combination products and older listings; below are the most common brands.
Day capsule: paracetamol 500mg + phenylephrine HCl 10mg + cetirizine dihydrochloride 5mg, Night capsule: paracetamol 500mg + phenylephrine HCl 10mg + chlorphenamine 4mg + dextromethorphan HBr 5mg · Capsule · A11-100172
| Brand Name | Manufacturer | Strength | Form | NAFDAC Reg. No. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Emzor | 500mg | Tablet | 04-0411 |
| Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer) | 500mg paracetamol + 30mg caffeine | Caplet | 04-0005 |
| May & Baker | 500mg, 120mg/5ml | Tablet | 04-0633 |
| Calpol | Haleon (formerly GSK Consumer) | 120mg/5ml, 250mg/5ml | Suspension | |
| Dizpharm Nigeria Limited | 500mg | Tablet | 04-2531 |
| Fidson Healthcare PLC | Day capsule: paracetamol 500mg + phenylephrine HCl 10mg + cetirizine dihydrochloride 5mg, Night capsule: paracetamol 500mg + phenylephrine HCl 10mg + chlorphenamine 4mg + dextromethorphan HBr 5mg | Capsule | A11-100172 |
Paracetamol Price in Nigeria
As of August 2026, Paracetamol sells for about ₦875 for tablets online in Nigeria across HealthPlus and MedPlus and NettPharmacy and Supermart.ng — syrup/suspension ₦750–₦2,650, tablet/capsule ₦550–₦2,500, drops ₦900–₦2,050. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.
Online retail (sampled)
₦2,500 for 100 tablets
₦1,625 for 20 tablets
Same 500mg Paracetamol — 3.3× the price, tablet for tablet.
Syrup/Suspension
median ₦1,050 · 9 listings
Better valueAcepol Paracetamol Suspension 60ml(HealthPlus)
₦750₦13 per mlCosts moreMOXIE PARACETAMOL SYRUP 120MG/5ML *100ML(MedPlus)
₦2,650₦27 per ml2.1× the price per ml, both 120mg/5ml
Tablet/Capsule
median ₦875 · 7 listings
Better valueEmcap Paracetamol 500mg x100(HealthPlus)
₦2,500₦25 per tabletCosts moreMedik 55 Paracetamol 500 mg 20 Tablets(Supermart.ng)
₦1,625₦81 per tabletDrops
median ₦1,500 · 4 listings
CheapestEmzor Paracetamol Drops 15ml(HealthPlus)
₦900PriciestPANDA COLD DROP 15ML(MedPlus)
₦2,05020 listings across HealthPlus + MedPlus + NettPharmacy + Supermart.ng · August 2026.
Unchanged since July 2026.
How to Verify Your Paracetamol is Genuine
- 1Check the NAFDAC registration number on the pack — all genuine paracetamol brands sold in Nigeria must have a NAFDAC number starting with a registration code (e.g., A4-XXXX or similar format)
- 2Verify the NAFDAC number using the NAFDAC Green Book or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available on Android and iOS
- 3Buy only from licensed pharmacies and registered patent medicine stores — avoid buying loose tablets from bus stops or street vendors
- 4Check the expiry date on the packaging and ensure the pack is properly sealed without signs of tampering
- 5Genuine tablets should have consistent size, shape, and colour — if tablets look irregular, crumbly, or discoloured, do not take them
- 6For Emzor, Panadol, and other major brands, look for security features such as holographic stickers or batch numbers on the outer packaging
Where to Buy
Listed sellers stocking Paracetamol brands
- AWNET HEALTH SOLUTIONSIdumota Market, LagosCarries M&B Paracetamol, Panadol Extra, Emzor Paracetamol, Dizpharm Paracetamol
- Promise Crest LtdIdumota Market, LagosCarries Dizpharm Paracetamol (blister packs)
As stated by each shop — not live inventory. Confirm availability with the shop, and verify the NAFDAC registration on any pack before you buy.
Buying Paracetamol by the carton
Cartons are bought at Nigeria's four open drug markets. Each guide names the sellers there you can contact, and how to buy safely:
- Idumota Market, Lagos — 2 listed sellers here carry Paracetamol brands
- Ogbogwu Market, Onitsha
- Ariaria Market, Aba
- Sabon Gari Market, Kano
Wherever you buy, buy only from licensed pharmacies and verified distributors — not roadside vendors — and verify the pack's NAFDAC registration before you pay. Buying Paracetamol in bulk or for resale? See how to buy medicines in bulk in Nigeria safely.
Need Paracetamol in bulk, or can't find it near you?
Tell us what you need and we'll connect you with a verified, NAFDAC-registered source.
What is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol works by blocking the production of certain chemicals in the brain called prostaglandins, which are responsible for sending pain signals and raising body temperature. Unlike NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is often combined with other medications when inflammation is present. It is available in Nigeria under popular brand names including Emzor Paracetamol, Panadol Extra, M&B Paracetamol, and Calpol — always check the NAFDAC number on the pack before buying.
One of the key advantages of paracetamol is its excellent safety profile when taken at recommended doses. It is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, making it the preferred painkiller and fever reducer for expectant and nursing mothers across Nigeria. It is also widely used for children in suspension form, with brands like Calpol being a staple in Nigerian homes with young children. However, it is critically important to note that exceeding the recommended dose can cause severe, potentially fatal liver damage.
What is Paracetamol used for?
In Nigeria, Paracetamol is commonly used for:
- Relief of mild to moderate pain including headaches, toothache, and body aches
- Reduction of fever (antipyretic), especially malaria-associated fever which is extremely common in Nigeria
- Pain management after minor surgical procedures
- Menstrual pain relief
- Muscle and joint pain from everyday activities
- As a first-line treatment for pain and fever in children and pregnant women due to its safety profile
Dosage
IMPORTANT
Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions. The information below is for general reference only.
Adults
500mg to 1000mg (1-2 tablets of 500mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Maximum daily dose is 4000mg (8 tablets of 500mg) in 24 hours. Do not exceed this limit to avoid liver damage.
Children
Dose depends on the child's weight and age. For children aged 6-12 years: 250mg to 500mg every 4-6 hours. For children aged 1-5 years: 120mg to 250mg every 4-6 hours. Paediatric suspension (120mg/5ml or 250mg/5ml) is recommended for accurate dosing. Always use the measuring spoon provided.
Elderly
Standard adult doses apply, but elderly patients with liver or kidney problems should use lower doses. Consult a pharmacist or doctor for guidance.
Always allow at least 4 hours between doses. Do not take paracetamol with other medications that contain paracetamol (such as cold and flu combinations) to avoid accidental overdose. If you are taking paracetamol for more than 3 days for fever or 7 days for pain without improvement, please see a doctor.
Side Effects
Common side effects
- •Paracetamol has very few side effects when taken at recommended doses
- •Rare skin rashes or allergic reactions
- •Nausea in some individuals, especially on an empty stomach
Serious side effects — seek medical help immediately
- Severe liver damage from overdose (taking more than 4000mg in 24 hours)
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — very rare but seek emergency help if you develop swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome — extremely rare
- Blood disorders with long-term excessive use
When to see a doctor
Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you have taken more than the recommended dose, even if you feel fine, as liver damage may not show symptoms for several days. Also see a doctor if you develop yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, or any allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Warnings & Precautions
Do not take Paracetamol if you have:
- Do not take if you have severe liver disease or liver failure
- Do not take if you have a known allergy to paracetamol or any of the tablet ingredients
- Avoid if you have acute hepatitis or are a chronic heavy alcohol drinker (3 or more drinks daily) without consulting a doctor
Drug interactions
- •Warfarin (blood thinner) — regular paracetamol use can increase the anticoagulant effect; inform your doctor if you are on warfarin
- •Alcohol — drinking alcohol while taking paracetamol increases the risk of liver damage
- •Other medications containing paracetamol — many cold and flu remedies, cough syrups, and combination painkillers contain paracetamol; check labels to avoid double dosing
- •Carbamazepine, phenytoin, and rifampicin may increase the risk of liver damage when taken with paracetamol
- •Metoclopramide and domperidone may increase the absorption rate of paracetamol
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Paracetamol is considered the safest painkiller and fever reducer during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It has been used by millions of pregnant women worldwide without evidence of harm to the baby. It is the first-choice medication for pain and fever in all trimesters of pregnancy. Only small amounts pass into breast milk and it is safe to use while breastfeeding. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time necessary.
Used for these conditions
Related Resources for Paracetamol
Guides, articles, and tools related to Paracetamol and other pain & fever medicines in Nigeria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- •NAFDAC Greenbook — the official database of all products registered with Nigeria's National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Brand-level NAFDAC numbers for Paracetamol on this page were cross-referenced against the Greenbook.
- •WHO Model List of Essential Medicines — Paracetamol is included in the WHO's list of essential medicines, meaning it is considered essential for basic healthcare needs.
- •British National Formulary (BNF) dosing and interaction guidance for Paracetamol.
- •Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health).
Daily puzzle: Meddle — pair five brands with their medicines. New game at midnight.