A cure for that pain in your head. (Panadol ActiFast)

Member Name: ld75454

Product:	Panadol ActiFast
Date:	19/02/09 (393 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fast acting

Disadvantages: Price and size of the tablets

*Introduction*

Recently whilst working at a computer all day, I have been getting really bad headaches. I usually use whatever is in the cupboard at home but we had run out one evening. I went to Tesco in search of some tablets that would get rid of the awful headache that I felt coming on as quickly as possible.

*What Are They?*

Panadol ActiFast are tablets that act rapidly and contain the active ingredient Paracetamol. They are manufactured and packed by GlaxoSmithKline.

*What Are They For?*

Panadol ActiFast are intended to treat headaches (migraine and tension), toothache, backache, neuralgia and rheumatic, muscle and period pains. They can also be used to alleviate sore throats and feverishness and symptoms of colds and flu.

*How Do They Work?*

Panadol ActiFast contains paracetamol which helps to reduce your body temperature and is an analgesic. The tablets have been devised so that the paracetamol is absorbed in to blood twice as fast as your standard paracetamol. This means that it gets to the cause of the pain quickly. They work most effectively when you take them on an empty stomach. I find this particularly true and try to take these tablets when I haven't eaten anything.

*Directions*

You must take the 2 tablets with half a glass of water. You ought to drink at least 100ml of water when you take these tablets for maximum speed of pain relief. You should take these every four hours until the pain has subsided. I personally push the tablets to the back of my mouth and swallow as soon I have water in my mouth.

No more than 8 tablets should be taken in 24 hours.

*Who Can't Use the Tablets?*

There are various people that Panadol ActiFast are not recommended for. These are:
- Children under the age of 12
- Sufferers of liver or kidney disease
- Anybody taking metoclopramide, domperidone or cholestyramine
- Anybody taking drugs to thin their blood

*Side Effects*

The majority of those who take Panadol ActiFast will not encounter any side effects. Although some people may find they get a skin rash. If you do come across this, stop using the tablets. I personally haven't encountered any side effects.

*The Tablets*

In the packet you get 14 tablets. The tablets are white and capsule shaped with a debossed P on one side. The size of the tablets is a bit of a negative for me. They are huge. This is probably due to the fact that they have more active ingredients in them in order to fulfil their promise of reaching the source of the pain faster. I struggle to take tablets but these were about the biggest I can swallow. This is due to its redeeming factor that they are film-coated and this makes them easier to swallow.

*Packaging*

What I love about this product is its packaging. It is a bright green colour with the name of the product across the front. It comes in a compact, plastic case that opens and you have two blisters that are attached to the case inside and interlink in order to close.

All of the details you need to know about the product are detailed on the inside of the case so you don't have a folded piece of paper. I like this as the folded details tend to get thrown away but now if I want to know anything, I can refer to the compact.

The packaging is compact and great to have in your handbag as it is easy to locate, if like me your bag is full.

*How Much Are They? And Where Can You Buy Them?*

These tablets are expensive as they retail at £2.73, so more expensive than your normal paracetamol tablets. If you shop around, you could probably find them slightly cheaper. Also, in my opinion, that extra cost is worth every penny. They work so much fast and more effectively than any other tablets that I have used in the past.

These are available to buy from any large supermarket (Tesco, Asda, etc) or your nearest chemist. There can be purchased over the counter or are displayed on the shelf so you don't need to get a prescription for the doctor. You can also buy them on a variety of chemist websites online.

*Do They Work and Would I Recommend Them?*

They most certainly do work. And so rapidly. Any time I feel a bad headache coming on I reach for Panadol ActiFast. I don't use them very frequently, only for times when I feel that my headache is particularly bad. I find that when I take them for headaches and also period pains, the pain has eased approximately fifteen minutes to half an hour after use.

I would without doubt recommend Panadol ActiFast. I would much rather spend that little bit extra to alleviate my headaches. Although in the current economical climate, they are fairly expensive so it is your decision to make as to whether they are good value for money.

You must ensure that you do take two tablets as if you only take one, it will have the same effectiveness as a normal paracetamol tablet. They do get rid of the pain, but at the same speed so you are in effect wasting your money in buying the ActiFast version.

*Overall*

I have since found out that I need to wear glasses whilst working on a computer so my headaches are less frequent meaning I have to use these tablets less which is fantastic. Although on the occasions that I do need to use Panadol ActiFast for headaches they do exactly what they say they will and relieve the pain quickly. This is also true for you ladies who suffer from period pains. Two of these tablets makes the pain go away. For a while at least! I actually refer to them now as 'magic tablets' as they work so successfully.

Summary: Fast acting tablets that are huge! But work!