Napa Rapid (Actizorb) Tablet 500 mg

Napa Rapid Tablet, manufactured by Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd, is a popular tablet formulation containing 500 mg Paracetamol. Widely prescribed for fever and pain relief, it effectively addresses conditions like headaches, menstrual cramps, and post-vaccination discomfort in children. Priced at ৳1.30 per unit, it offers affordable symptomatic relief across Bangladesh.

The medication belongs to non-opioid analgesics and inhibits COX enzymes to reduce pain signals. Unlike NSAIDs, it’s gentler on the stomach, making it suitable for patients with gastric sensitivities. Its rapid action makes it ideal for managing sudden fever spikes or acute pain episodes while minimizing adverse effects.

Dosage guidelines vary by age and form:

• Adults: 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours (max 8/day)
• Children (6-12 years): ½-1 tablet 3-4 times daily

Extended-release tablets and suppositories have specific protocols, emphasizing adherence to prevent liver toxicity.

Key precautions include avoiding alcohol and consulting doctors when using anticonvulsants or antidepressants. Overdose risks (>10g) demand immediate N-acetylcysteine treatment to prevent hepatic failure. Storage instructions: Keep in dry, cool areas away from children.

Alternatives like Napa 500 mg or Napa Extend offer similar benefits. Mild side effects (rashes, nausea) are rare, and it’s generally safe during pregnancy/lactation under medical supervision.

Adults: 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours (max 4g/day). Children (6-12 years): 250-500 mg QID. Dose reduction needed in hepatic/renal impairment. Take after meals. Do not crush tablets. Limit use to 3-5 days without medical advice.

Side effects of Napa Rapid (Actizorb) 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. Excreted minimally in breast milk – compatible with lactation under medical supervision.

Monitor LFTs in prolonged use. Max 2g/day in alcohol users. Avoid concurrent use with other paracetamol preparations from Beximco.

Pediatrics: Contraindicated <3 months. Geriatric: Dose adjustment needed. Renal: Increase interval if CrCl <30. Hepatic: Reduce dose by 25%.

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