Panadol Actifast Tablet

Panadol Actifast Tablet contains Paracetamol 500 mg per tablet and is presented as a tablet. It is supplied in pack sizes of 10s and 20s.

It is classified as an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, so no prescription is needed to order it. Under Malaysian rules for medicine information, this page carries product, safety and handling information only.

You can consult a doctor or pharmacist online on DoctorOnCall about this product before or after you order. Every order is checked by a registered pharmacist before it is delivered. Always read the label and the leaflet supplied with the pack.

Panadol Actifast Tablets are for oral use only. Swallow each tablet whole with a full glass of water (about 100 ml) — do not crush or chew the tablets, as the fast-acting effect depends on the tablet dissolving and being absorbed as intended. For the fastest onset of relief, take the tablets on an empty stomach, although they can be taken with or after food if this causes stomach discomfort, which may slightly slow (but not prevent) the faster action.

Do not take Panadol Actifast together with any other medicine that also contains paracetamol — including other Panadol products, cold and flu remedies, or combination pain relievers — as this can lead to an accidental paracetamol overdose and serious liver injury. Always check the active ingredients of any other medicine before combining it with Panadol Actifast.

Standard adult and adolescent dosing (per the product’s international Summary of Product Characteristics for this same Haleon/GSK formulation): adults and adolescents aged 12 years and above may take 1 to 2 tablets with a full glass of water (about 100 ml), swallowed whole, up to four times a day, leaving at least 4 hours between doses. Adolescents aged 12 to 15 years are generally advised to take 1 tablet per dose, while adults and older adolescents (16 years and above) may take up to 2 tablets per dose; do not exceed 8 tablets (4 g of paracetamol) in any 24-hour period. Panadol Actifast is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.

If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered and continue with the normal dosing schedule; do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If pain lasts longer than 3 days, or fever lasts longer than 3 days (or worsens), stop self-treating and see a doctor or pharmacist, as this may indicate a condition that needs proper medical assessment.

Use before the expiry date printed on the packaging. Based on verified manufacturer product information, Panadol Actifast Tablets have a shelf life of approximately 3 years from the date of manufacture when stored as directed — but always check and follow the expiry date on your specific pack rather than relying on this general figure.

Store below 25°C, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging until ready to use, and keep out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use if the packaging is damaged or the expiry date has passed.

• Known hypersensitivity (allergy) to paracetamol, sodium bicarbonate, or any other ingredient in Panadol Actifast Tablets.
• Severe hepatic (liver) impairment or active severe liver disease.
• Not for use in children under 12 years of age.
• Caution advised (medical advice should be sought rather than an absolute block) for people on a strict low-sodium/salt-restricted diet, due to the sodium bicarbonate content.

• Do not take Panadol Actifast with any other paracetamol-containing product (other Panadol variants, cough and cold remedies, combination painkillers), as this significantly raises the risk of unintentional paracetamol overdose and liver damage.
• Alcohol: regular or heavy alcohol use increases the risk of liver damage with paracetamol; avoid or limit alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants: prolonged, regular paracetamol use may enhance warfarin’s blood-thinning effect and increase bleeding risk — check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use if you take warfarin.
• Metoclopramide, domperidone, or colestyramine: these medicines can alter the rate or extent of paracetamol absorption.
• Other sodium bicarbonate-containing products or a salt-restricted diet: consider the additive sodium intake, particularly for people with a serious chronic health condition.

• Take with a full glass of water (about 100 ml) on an empty stomach for the fastest possible onset of relief.
• Never combine with another paracetamol-containing product — check the active ingredients label of any other medicine first.
• Space doses at least 4 hours apart and never exceed 8 tablets (4 g of paracetamol) in 24 hours.
• Keep track of when you last took a dose, especially over several days, to avoid accidental double-dosing.
• If you have liver or a chronic health condition problems, are on a sodium-restricted diet, or take warfarin, check with a pharmacist or doctor before use.
• Store below 25°C in a dry place, out of children’s reach, and always check the expiry date before use.

Precautions: Panadol Actifast should be used with caution in people with liver or a chronic health condition impairment, chronic alcohol use, dehydration, chronic malnutrition, or glutathione depletion, as these factors can raise the risk of liver toxicity even at standard doses. Because of its sodium bicarbonate content, it should also be used with caution by people on a low-sodium diet or with a serious chronic health condition requiring sodium control. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor or pharmacist before use — paracetamol itself is generally considered a suitable pain/fever reliever in pregnancy and breastfeeding at recommended doses under medical guidance, but the added sodium bicarbonate is a reason to check first rather than assume it’s automatically appropriate. This medicine is not intended for children under 12 years old.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if pain lasts longer than 3 days, if fever lasts longer than 3 days or exceeds 39.5°C, if symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear, or if you find yourself needing Panadol Actifast more often than the recommended dosing over several days. Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect you’ve taken more than the maximum recommended dose — even without symptoms — or if you notice signs of an allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), unusual bruising/bleeding, or signs of liver problems such as yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea/vomiting.