Panadol ActiFast

What is Panadol ActiFast?

Panadol ActiFast tablets are used to treat mild-moderate pain like headaches, (including migraine and tension headaches), toothache, backache, rheumatic and muscle pain and period pain.

It also relieves sore throat and the fever, aches and pains of colds and flu.

Panadol contains paracetamol.

How long does paracetamol take to work and how long does it last for?

Paracetamol can take up to an hour to take effect but most people will notice some improvement to their pain and fever within half an hour which may then last for around 4-6 hours.

If you are unsure or would like further advice about what painkillers you should take you may want to take a look at our Pain page.

Can you take paracetamol with ibuprofen?

Paracetamol can be taken with ibuprofen at their recommended doses. If you decide to do this, you should stagger the doses of both medicines so you feel a more consistent reduction in pain and feel the benefits over a longer period.

Paracetamol & codeine

Paracetamol can be taken at the same time as codeine as long as you take both medicines as directed and this is only for a short time. You can buy medicines that contain both paracetamol and codeine online at The Independent Pharmacy over on our Pain page.

You should not take codeine continuously for more than 3 days as it can cause addiction.

If you are finding that you are unable to control your pain with codeine and paracetamol after 3 days you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Panadol ActiFast dosage

Suitable for

Adults and children aged 12 years and over.

Children aged 12 to 15

Give 1 tablet every 4-6 hours, as required. Do not give more frequently than every 4 hours. Maximum 4 tablets in 24-hours.

Adults and Children aged 16 and over

Swallow 2 tablets with half a glass of water (100ml), every 4 hours as needed.

• Do not take more frequently than every 4hours.
• Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose.
• Do not give to children under 12 years.

Panadol ActiFast Soluble dosage

Children aged 10-15 years

Give 1 tablet dissolved in water every 4 to 6 hours as needed

• Do not give more frequently than every 4 hours
• Do not give more than 4 tablets in 24 hours
• Do not give to children for more than 3 days without consulting a doctor
• Do not give to children under 10 years of age

• Do not take more frequently than every 4 hours
• Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours

Do not take more medicine than the label tells you to.

Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you fell well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

Panadol ActiFast ingredients

Active ingredients: Each tablet contains Paracetamol 500 mg

Also contains: Sodium Bicarbonate, Starch, Pregelatinised, providone, Maize Starch, Potassium Sorbate, (E202), Microcrystaline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, Carbauba Wax, Titanium Dioxed (E171), Polydextrose, Hypromellose, Glycerol Triacetate, Polyethylene Glycol.

Panadol ActiFast side effects

Panadol ActiFast contains paracetamol.

Side effects are very rare when paracetamol tablets are taken as directed in the Patient Information Leaflet.

If you experience a severe allergic reaction to paracetamol you must seek help from your nearest emergency department immediately.

Allergic reactions to paracetamol may include:

• Rash (hives)
• Swelling of the hands, feet, mouth, lips
• Difficulty breathing

For a full list of side effects please read the Patient Information Leaflet contained within the package.

Panadol ActiFast warnings

Do not take with any other paracetamol-containing products.

Ask your doctor before you take this medicine:

• If you have liver or kidney disease, including alcoholic liver disease
• If you are on a controlled sodium diet.

Do not store above 25°C

Keep out of the reach and sight of children

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist.

Seek advice before using if you are breast feeding, pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or suffer from allergies.