Paracetamol price in Pakistan: official DRAP maximum retail price
Last reviewed 12 October 2026
Short answer: DRAP's last notified maximum retail price (MRP) for Paracetamol 500mg tablets is Rs 534 for a 20 x 10 pack, which is Rs 2.67 per tablet. This is a notification dated 21 February 2023.
An MRP is the most a seller may charge. Prices can change after a notification. DRAP later issued an inflation-linked price notification (S.R.O. 595(I)/2023, 19 May 2023), so the figure below may no longer be the current one. Always confirm the current price on DRAP's PharmaPrice Index before you rely on it. See how DRAP sets medicine prices.
Official MRP table
These prices come from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) notification S.R.O. 207(I)/2023, issued on 21 February 2023.
| Product | Pack size | Maximum retail price | Price per tablet |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol tablets 500mg | 20 x 10's (200 tablets) | Rs 534 | Rs 2.67 |
| Paracetamol + Caffeine tablets 500mg / 65mg | 10 x 10's (100 tablets) | Rs 332 | Rs 3.32 |
The notification covers the product by its active ingredient and strength, not by brand. That means every registered brand of Paracetamol 500mg tablets is covered by the same maximum price. A brand may be sold for less, but it should not be sold for more.
How the price changed
The price of paracetamol was raised twice in a short period, after the Economic Coordination Committee approved the increases at the request of manufacturers. Here is how the 500mg tablet and the caffeine combination moved between the two DRAP notifications.
| Product | Before (3 Nov 2022) | After (21 Feb 2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol 500mg, per tablet | Rs 2.35 | Rs 2.67 |
| Paracetamol 500mg, 20 x 10's pack | Rs 470 | Rs 534 |
| Paracetamol + Caffeine, per tablet | Rs 2.75 | Rs 3.32 |
| Paracetamol + Caffeine, 10 x 10's pack | Rs 275 | Rs 332 |
How to compare paracetamol prices correctly
Two prices only mean something if the products are the same. Before you compare, check that these match:
- Active ingredient. Paracetamol on its own is a different product from Paracetamol + Caffeine.
- Strength. 500mg and 250mg tablets are not comparable.
- Pack size. A pack of 200 will always cost more than a pack of 100, so compare the price per tablet. Our guide to pack sizes shows how.
- Dosage form. Tablets, syrups and drops are priced differently and cannot be compared directly.
A worked example
Suppose a shop shows a card of 10 tablets of Paracetamol 500mg for Rs 30. Divide 30 by 10 to get Rs 3.00 per tablet. The official maximum is Rs 2.67 per tablet, so that price is above the MRP and worth questioning. Always do the per-tablet sum before deciding whether a price is fair.
How to check the current price on DRAP
- Open the DRAP PharmaPrice Index.
- Look for the product by name, strength and pack size. The list shows the registration number, manufacturer, pack size, price and the date the price took effect.
- Compare the "Effective from" date with the date on any price you have seen elsewhere. A newer date means a newer price.
- If the website is slow or the search does not respond, try again later or on a computer. You can also read DRAP's published notifications on dra.gov.pk.
Safety comes before price
A lower price is not a reason to choose a medicine on its own. Check these before you buy:
- The product is registered, and the pack shows the manufacturer's name and the registration number.
- The pack is sealed, and the printed retail price, batch number and expiry date are clear.
- The medicine has been stored away from heat and moisture.
Many cold, flu and pain products also contain paracetamol. Taking more than one of them together can lead to an overdose. Read the label of every product you use and follow the dose printed on it or given by your doctor or pharmacist. Ask a pharmacist before giving paracetamol to a child, during pregnancy, or if you have liver disease.
Frequently asked questions
Can two pharmacies sell paracetamol at different prices?
Yes, but not above the maximum retail price. A shop can sell for less, for example with a discount, or sell a different pack size. Compare the exact same product and pack, and use the price per tablet.
What is a maximum retail price (MRP)?
It is the highest price at which a medicine can legally be sold to the public. It is set by DRAP, with approval from the federal government, and printed on the pack.
Is the cheapest paracetamol always the best choice?
Not necessarily. A registered product from a reliable source, with a valid expiry date and intact packaging, matters more than saving a few rupees.
Why does the price on my pack differ from this page?
Your pack may be a different strength, size or product, or the price may have changed after the 2023 notification. Check the "Effective from" date on the DRAP PharmaPrice Index.
Sources
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, S.R.O. 207(I)/2023, Fixation of Maximum Retail Price of Paracetamol Products (21 February 2023).
- Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, MRP of Paracetamol notification (3 November 2022).
- DRAP, PharmaPrice Index.