Panadol, which contains the active ingredient paracetamol, was first marketed in the United Kingdom in 1956 by Sterling-Winthrop Co. It was available only by prescription initially and promoted as being gentle on the stomach compared to other analgesics containing aspirin. Paracetamol itself was first synthesized in 1877 by Harmon Northrop Morse, but it took many decades before it was widely used medically and marketed under brand names like Panadol and Tylenol.
In summary:
- Paracetamol (the active ingredient in Panadol) was synthesized in 1877.
- Panadol as a brand was introduced in 1956 in the UK.
