Avadol Fast 500mg Tablet

Avadol Fast 500mg Tablet is a paracetamol (acetaminophen) tablet containing 500 mg of paracetamol per tablet. Paracetamol is a single-ingredient oral analgesic and antipyretic medicine, and Avadol Fast is not a combination product, so it does not contain any other active ingredient such as caffeine, an anti-inflammatory or a decongestant. It is sold as an oral tablet in strips of 10 tablets, and the pharmacy trade packs are boxes of 20 strips (200 tablets).

Avadol Fast is an OTC (Over-the-Counter) medicine that is sold in pharmacies in Malaysia without needing a doctor’s prescription, and DoctorOnCall lists it in its OTC range. The word Fast in the name refers to the product line: some seller listings describe it as a fast-dissolving tablet, but this was not confirmed on a manufacturer or regulatory source, so the exact tablet type and inactive ingredients should be taken from the printed pack label.

Because many other cold, flu, fever and pain products in Malaysia also contain paracetamol, the most important safety point with Avadol Fast is to avoid taking more than one paracetamol-containing product at the same time and to keep within the maximum daily amount. The tablet strength is 500 mg, so adults are generally directed to take one or two tablets per dose, with a stated maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours.

• Swallow the tablet(s) whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew them unless the pack states otherwise.
• Adults and children above 12 years: take 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
• Do not take more than 8 tablets (4 g of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period, and leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not take any other medicine that contains paracetamol at the same time, including cold and flu products.
• Use the lowest dose for the shortest time needed, and do not give to children under 12 years unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Read the pack insert, as directions on the pack take priority.

Adults and children above 12 years: 1 to 2 tablets (500 mg to 1,000 mg) every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with a maximum of 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 hours, as stated on retailer listings and consistent with the general MIMS paracetamol guidance. Do not use more often than every 4 hours, and do not exceed 2 tablets in a single dose. Not for children under 12 years unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist. Adults with a low body weight, liver problems, long-term alcohol use or poor nutrition, and older adults, may need a lower maximum daily amount, so please ask a pharmacist. If a dose is missed, take it when needed but do not take a double dose. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than 3 days, and seek urgent help if an overdose is suspected, even if you feel well.

Use the tablets before the expiry date printed on the strip and outer box. Check this date and the batch number before use, and do not use tablets that are past their expiry date or that are crumbled, discoloured or removed from a damaged blister.

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture, as directed on the pack, and keep the tablets in their strip until needed. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Paracetamol is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose, and side effects are uncommon.
• Common: Mild nausea or stomach discomfort in some people.
• Serious: An allergic reaction such as a skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing, which needs emergency medical care. Rare severe skin reactions (blistering, peeling skin or sores in the mouth) require immediate medical attention.
• Serious: Liver damage after taking more than the recommended amount, with signs such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain in the upper right side, yellowing of the skin or eyes or dark urine. Seek urgent medical help for any suspected overdose even if you feel well.

• Do not use if you are allergic to paracetamol or to any other ingredient of the tablet.
• Do not use in people with severe liver disease or severe liver impairment unless advised by a doctor.
• Do not give to children under 12 years unless advised by a doctor or pharmacist.
• Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing product.

• Do not take with other medicines containing paracetamol (acetaminophen), including many cold, flu and fever products, as this can cause an accidental overdose.
• Regular, prolonged use of paracetamol may increase the effect of warfarin, so people on warfarin should ask a doctor or pharmacist before regular use.
• Medicines that affect the liver or that speed up its breakdown of drugs, such as certain epilepsy medicines (for example carbamazepine, phenytoin) and rifampicin, may increase the risk of liver problems with paracetamol. Ask a pharmacist if you take these.
• Taking paracetamol with flucloxacillin or with cholestyramine requires a pharmacist or doctor’s advice.
• Alcohol: avoid or limit alcohol, as regular or heavy drinking raises the risk of liver damage with paracetamol.

• Count every paracetamol-containing product you take in a day, so you stay below 8 tablets (4 g) in total.
• Wait at least 4 hours between doses and write down the time of the last dose if several people are caring for the same patient.
• Check the active ingredient on cold and flu products, as many already contain paracetamol.
• Avoid alcohol while taking paracetamol, especially with regular use.
• Keep tablets in their strip and out of children’s reach, and use before the printed expiry date.
• If symptoms continue for more than 3 days, stop self-treatment and see a doctor.

Precautions: Do not exceed the stated dose. Take extra care and ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you have liver or kidney problems, drink alcohol regularly, are underweight or malnourished, are elderly, or take other regular medicines. Paracetamol is commonly used in pregnancy and breastfeeding at the usual dose, but the lowest dose for the shortest time is advised, and a doctor or pharmacist should be asked before regular use. Do not use any other paracetamol-containing product at the same time. The manufacturer and inactive ingredients of Avadol Fast were not confirmed from independent sources, so check the pack label if you have allergies.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 3 days, if they get worse, if a high or recurring fever develops, or if new symptoms appear. Seek emergency help straight away if you have taken too much paracetamol, even if you feel well, or if you develop signs of a severe allergic reaction or of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin or eyes.