Action XR Tablet (Extended Release) 665 mg

Action XR Tablet (Extended Release) is a trusted extended-release formulation containing 665 mg of Paracetamol, manufactured by Albion Laboratories Limited. Priced at ৳2.00 per tablet, it offers prolonged pain relief for conditions like headaches, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical discomfort. The XR technology ensures sustained drug delivery, reducing frequent dosing.

This non-opioid analgesic inhibits prostaglandin synthesis via COX enzymes, targeting pain and fever effectively. Suitable for adults and children above 12 years, its maximum daily dose is 4 grams (6 tablets). Storage requires a dry environment away from light/heat.

Indications span diverse pain types: dental, menstrual, musculoskeletal, and vaccine-related discomfort. Unlike NSAIDs, it poses minimal gastric risks. However, alcohol consumption or concurrent use of barbiturates may enhance hepatotoxicity.

Dosage guidelines emphasize caution: Adults take 2 tablets every 8 hours. For chronic use, limit to 4 tablets daily. Pediatric syrup/suppository doses vary by age. Overdose (>10g) risks severe liver damage—immediate medical intervention with N-acetylcysteine is critical.

Side effects like rashes or pancreatitis are rare. Pregnancy/lactation data show safety at therapeutic doses under medical supervision. Explore alternatives like Paratam Extend 665 mg for similar efficacy.

Adults: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hrs (Max 8 tablets/day). Children (6-12 yrs): 0.5-1 tablet 3-4 times daily. XR Tablet: 2 tablets every 8 hrs (Max 6 tablets/day). Dose adjustments needed in renal/hepatic impairment. Administer with/without food.

Side effects of Action XR 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.

Monitor liver function in chronic users. Avoid concurrent use of other paracetamol products. Dose adjustment in hepatic/renal impairment.

Pediatrics: XR tablet contraindicated <6 yrs. Geriatric: No dose adjustment. Hepatic: Max 2.6 g/day. Renal: Dose adjustment if CrCl <30 mL/min.

Liver damage is possible in adults who have taken 10 g or more of Action XR. Ingestion of 5 g or more of Action XR 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 Action XR 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 Action XR overdose. Treatment with activated charcoal should be considered if the overdose has been taken within 1 hour. Plasma Action XR 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 Action XR. 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.