Panadol Actifast Compack

Panadol Actifast Compack is an adult paracetamol caplet from the Panadol range formulated with a fast-dissolving technology; each caplet contains paracetamol 500 mg as its pain- and fever-relieving active ingredient, combined with sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate as functional excipients designed to help the tablet disperse and be absorbed more quickly than a standard paracetamol caplet. It is manufactured by Haleon (Panadol) and sold in Malaysia as a compact 10-caplet strip pack, hence the “Compack” naming.

This is a paracetamol-based OTC (Over-the-Counter) medicine intended for adults and children aged 12 years and above, available from pharmacies without a prescription. It is supplied in a compact strip of 10 caplets designed for portability.

What distinguishes Panadol Actifast from a standard Panadol caplet is its added sodium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate, intended to speed up tablet disintegration compared with a conventional paracetamol tablet of the same 500 mg strength. Because of this added sodium and calcium content, its overall composition differs slightly from a plain paracetamol tablet, which is relevant for anyone who needs to watch their sodium intake.

Swallow the caplet whole with a glass of water. It may be taken on an empty stomach or with food; taking it on an empty stomach is sometimes preferred for faster onset, but those with a sensitive stomach may prefer to take it after a meal.

Do not crush or chew the caplet before swallowing.

Adults and children aged 12 years and above: take 1 to 2 caplets every 4 to 6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 8 caplets (4,000 mg of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

This product is not intended for children under 12 years old; a paediatric-strength Panadol product should be used instead for younger children.

If a dose is missed, take it when remembered unless the next dose is due soon – do not double up. Stop self-treating and see a doctor if fever persists beyond 3 days, pain persists beyond 5 days, or symptoms worsen or recur.

• Common: Paracetamol at recommended doses is generally well tolerated.
• Common: Some people may notice mild bloating, a burping sensation, or wind shortly after taking the caplet, related to its sodium bicarbonate content.
• Serious: Skin rash, hives, or itching may indicate an allergic reaction and should be reported to a doctor or pharmacist.
• Serious: Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing, require immediate emergency medical attention.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding (a rare sign of a blood disorder) should be reported to a doctor promptly.
• Serious: Signs of liver problems from excessive or prolonged use, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea and vomiting, require urgent medical assessment.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol or any other ingredient in this product.
• Children under 12 years of age.
• Severe active liver disease.
• Anyone already taking another paracetamol-containing medicine, to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose.

• Do not take this product together with any other medicine that already contains paracetamol/acetaminophen, including other cold, flu, cough, or fever combination products, as this can lead to an accidental paracetamol overdose.
• People taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines should use paracetamol under medical supervision, as prolonged regular use may enhance the anticoagulant effect.
• People on long-term treatment with certain anti-epileptic medicines such as carbamazepine or phenytoin, or with rifampicin, may be at higher risk of liver effects with paracetamol and should be assessed by a doctor first.
• The sodium bicarbonate in this formulation may affect the absorption of some other oral medicines if taken at exactly the same time; where possible, space this product apart from other regular medicines and check with a pharmacist if unsure.
• Regular heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of liver damage when taking paracetamol.

• Swallow the caplet whole with a full glass of water; do not chew or crush it.
• Take it on an empty stomach for faster action, or after a meal if you have a sensitive stomach.
• Do not exceed 8 caplets (4,000 mg of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period.
• Check any other medicine you are taking to make sure it does not already contain paracetamol.
• If you are on a low-sodium diet, factor in this product’s added sodium bicarbonate content.
• Keep the strip in its original packaging, away from moisture, until ready to use.

Precautions: People on a sodium-restricted diet, or with high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, should check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use because of this product’s added sodium bicarbonate content. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should seek medical advice before use, and this product is not intended for children under 12 years old. Always check that no other medicine you are taking already contains paracetamol.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if fever lasts more than 3 days, if pain lasts more than 5 days, if symptoms worsen, if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, or if you suspect an overdose has been taken. Paracetamol overdose can be serious even if you initially feel well, so contact a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency services promptly.