Introduction
Fast 500 is a medicine used to relieve pain and to reduce fever. It is used to treat many conditions such as headache, body ache, toothache and common cold.
Fast 500 may be prescribed alone or in combination with another medicine. You should take it regularly as advised by your doctor. It is usually best taken with food otherwise it may upset your stomach. Do not take more or use it for longer than recommended. Side effects are rare if this medicine is used correctly but this medicine may cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting in some people. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects bother you or do not go away.
This medicine is widely prescribed and considered safe but is not suitable for everybody. Before taking it, let your doctor know if you have liver or kidney problems or are using blood-thinning medicines. It may affect the dose or suitability of this medicine. Let your doctor know about all the other medicines you are taking because they may affect, or be affected by, this medicine.
Side effects of Fast 500
Common
- No common side effects seen
How to use Fast 500
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Fast 500 is to be taken with food.
How Fast 500 works
Fast 500 is an analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-pyretic (fever reducer). It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause pain and fever. Fast 500 is an analgesic (pain reliever) and anti-pyretic (fever reducer). It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause pain and fever.
What if you forget to take Fast 500?
If you miss a dose of Fast 500, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Indication
Fever, Mild to moderate pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic low back pain, Renal stone pain, neuropathic pain, toothache, migraine, postoperative mild to moderate pain.
Administration
May be taken with or without food.
Adult Dose
Oral
Mild to moderate pain and fever
Tablet
Adult: 1 - 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours up to a maximum of 4 g (8 tablets) daily
Extended Release (XR) Tablet
Adults: 2 tablets, swallowed whole, every 6 to 8 hours (maximum of 6 tablets in any 24 hours).
Syrup/Suspension:
Adults: 4-8 Measuring spoonful 3-4 times daily;
Rectal
Suppository
Adults: 500 mg-1 g every 4-6 hours to a maximum of 4 g daily.
Child Dose
Oral
Mild to moderate pain and fever
Tablet
Children (6 - 12 years) : 1/2 to 1 tablet 3 to 4 times daily
Extended Release (XR) Tablet
Children over 12 years: 2 tablets, swallowed whole, every 6 to 8 hours (maximum of 6 tablets in any 24 hours).
Syrup
Mild to moderate pain and fever
Children:
3 months - <1 year : 60 - 120 mg (1/2 - 1 measuring spoonful),
1 - 5 years : 1 - 2 measuring spoonful
6 - 12 years : 2 - 4 measuring spoonful
Children: 2 months: 60 mg (1/2 measuring spoonful) for post immunization pyrexia;
Paediatric Drops
Mild to moderate pain and fever
Children Up to 3 months: 0.5 ml (40 mg)
4 to 11 months: 1.0 ml (80 mg)
1 to <2 years: 1.5 ml (120 mg)
2 to 3 years: 2 ml (160mg)
4 to 5 years: 3 ml (240 mg)
Dose can be repeated, every 4 hours.
Rectal
Mild to moderate pain and fever
Suppository
Children: 3 months-<1 year: 60-125 mg
1-<5 years: 125-250 mg
5-12 years: 250-500 mg
These doses may be repeated every 4-6 hours as necessary (maximum 4 doses in 24 hours).
Children over 12 years: 500 mg-1 g every 4-6 hours to a maximum of 4 g daily.
Post-immunisation pyrexia
Child: 2-3 mth 60 mg. If necessary, a 2nd dose may be given after 4-6 hr.
Contraindication
Hypersensitivity.
Mode of Action
Paracetamol exhibits analgesic action by peripheral blockage of pain impulse generation. It produces antipyresis by inhibiting the hypothalamic heat-regulating centre. Its weak anti-inflammatory activity is related to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS.
Precaution
Patient w/ chronic alcoholism, known G6PD deficiency, severe hypovolaemia, chronic malnutrition. Renal and hepatic impairment. Pregnancy and lactation. Monitoring Parameters Monitor serum paracetamol levels esp when acute overdosage is suspected and w/ long-term use.
Side Effect
Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, pancytopenia, neutropenia, agranulocytosis, pain and burning sensation at inj site. Rarely, hypotension and tachycardia.
Potentially Fatal: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, acute generalised exanthematous pustulosis, acute renal tubular necrosis and hepatotoxicity.
Interaction
May reduce serum levels w/ anticonvulsants (e.g. phenytoin, barbiturates, carbamazepine). May enhance the anticoagulant effect of warfarin and other coumarins w/ prolonged use. Accelerated absorption w/ metoclopramide and domperidone. May increase serum levels w/ probenecid. May increase serum levels of chloramphenicol. May reduce absorption w/ colestyramine w/in 1 hr of admin. May cause severe hypothermia w/ phenothiazine.
