Act Tablet 500 mg

ACT Tablet is a widely used pain reliever containing Paracetamol 500 mg as its active ingredient. Manufactured by Ambee Pharmaceuticals Ltd, this tablet formulation effectively treats fever, headaches, and various pain conditions. Priced at ৳1.20 per unit, it offers affordable relief for multiple symptoms.

The tablet acts by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS through COX enzymes, providing analgesic and antipyretic effects. Unlike NSAIDs, it causes minimal gastric irritation, making it suitable for sensitive patients. Its therapeutic class as a Non-Opioid Analgesic ensures safer long-term use under medical supervision.

Key indications include influenza, dental pain, menstrual cramps, and post-vaccination discomfort in children. The dosage varies by age: adults take 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours (max 8 tablets/day), while children (6-12 years) require half to one tablet 3-4 times daily. Always follow prescribed guidelines to avoid overdose risks.

Stored in dry, cool places away from light, ACT Tablet maintains efficacy. Notable side effects include rare skin rashes or allergic reactions. Severe liver damage may occur with overdoses exceeding 10g. Pregnant/lactating women should consult doctors before use despite its general safety profile.

Explore alternatives like other Paracetamol brands or consult healthcare providers for personalized advice. For bulk purchases, consider the 25×10 pack (৳300) or strips (৳12 each) from Ambee Pharmaceuticals.

Adults: 500-1000mg every 4-6 hours (max 4g/day). Children (6-12 years): 250-500mg 4 times daily. Dose reduction needed in hepatic/renal impairment. Take with/without food. Continue until pain resolves, but consult doctor if fever persists >10 days.

Side effects of Act are usually mild, though haematological reactions including thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis have been reported. Pancreatitis, skin rashes, and other allergic reactions occur occasionally.

Pregnancy Category B. Safe during lactation in therapeutic doses. Consult physician for prolonged use.

Monitor liver function during prolonged use. Avoid alcohol. Don’t combine with other paracetamol products. Report fever persisting >72 hours.

Pediatrics: Avoid below 3 months. Geriatrics: Dose adjustment usually unnecessary. Hepatic/renal impairment: Reduce dose by 50%.

Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10 g or more of Act. Ingestion of 5 g or more of Act may lead to liver damage if the patient has following risk factors: If the patient is on long term treatment with Carbamazepine, Phenobarbitone, Phenytoin, Primidone, Rifampicin, St John’s Wort or other drugs that induce liver enzymes, or regularly consumes Ethanol in excess of recommended amounts, or is likely to be Glutathione deplete e.g. eating disorders, cystic fibrosis, HIV infection, starvation, cachexia.

Symptoms: Symptoms of Act overdose in the first 24 hours are pallor, nausea, vomiting, anorexia and abdominal pain. Liver damage may become apparent 12 to 48 hours after ingestion. Abnormalities of glucose metabolism and metabolic acidosis may occur. In severe poisoning, hepatic failure may progress to encephalopathy, haemorrhage, hypoglycaemia, cerebral oedema and death. Acute renal failure with acute tubular necrosis, strongly suggested by loin pain, haematuria and proteinuria, may develop even in the absence of severe liver damage. Cardiac arrhythmias and pancreatitis have been reported. Immediate treatment is essential in the management of Act overdose. Treatment with activated charcoal should be considered if the overdose has been taken within 1 hour. Plasma Act concentration should be measured at 4 hours or later after ingestion (earlier concentrations are unreliable). Treatment with N-acetylcysteine may be used up to 24 hours after ingestion of Act. However, the maximum protective effect is obtained up to 8 hours post-ingestion. The effectiveness of the antidote declines sharply after this time. If required the patient should be given intravenous N-acetylcysteine, in line with the established dosage schedule. If vomiting is not a problem, oral Methionine may be a suitable alternative for remote areas, outside hospital. Management of patients who present with serious hepatic dysfunction beyond 24 hours from ingestion should be discussed with the NPIS or a liver unit.