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| Medication Name | Panadol ActiFast Soluble Tablets |
| Active Ingredient | Paracetamol 500mg |
| Medication Form | Effervescent soluble tablets |
| Used to Treat | Pain relief and fever reduction |
| Available Sizes | 24 tablets |
| Do you need a prescription? | No – available over the counter |
| Dosage | 1-2 tablets dissolved in water every 4-6 hours |
| Patient Information Leaflet | Panadol ActiFast Soluble Tablets Patient Information Leaflet |
Panadol ActiFast soluble tablets provide fast pain relief from mild to moderate pain and reduce fever in adults and children aged 10 and over.
They can be used for:
Panadol ActiFast contains paracetamol, a well-established painkiller that works by blocking the signals in your brain that tell you you’re in pain. It also acts on the part of the brain that controls body temperature, which is how it brings down a fever.
What sets Panadol ActiFast apart is the soluble format. Panadol ActiFast tablets are absorbed twice as fast as standard paracetamol tablets and start to relieve pain in as little as 15 minutes. Because the tablet is dissolved in water before you take it, the paracetamol is already in liquid form when it reaches your stomach, allowing it to get to work quickly.
Panadol ActiFast is suitable for adults and children aged 10 and over.
Do not take Panadol ActiFast if you:
Speak to your doctor before taking Panadol ActiFast if you:
Panadol ActiFast can be taken during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, but you should speak to your healthcare professional first.
If you are taking any other prescribed medicines, particularly metoclopramide, domperidone, colestyramine, warfarin, or flucloxacillin, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.
Always dissolve the tablets in water before taking them – do not swallow them whole.
Adults and children aged 16 and over:
Children aged 10-15:
Do not give Panadol ActiFast to children under 10 years old, and do not take more frequently than every 4 hours.
If you take too many tablets, go to a doctor or hospital straight away – even if you feel well. Too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage, and symptoms may be delayed.
Like all medicines, Panadol ActiFast can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.
Stop taking the tablets and tell your doctor immediately if you experience:
A serious condition called metabolic acidosis has been reported in patients with severe illness taking paracetamol alongside flucloxacillin. Symptoms include serious breathing difficulties, drowsiness, feeling or being sick, and loss of appetite. Tell your doctor straight away if you experience a combination of these symptoms.
If you notice any side effects not listed here, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme, which helps improve the safety of medicines for everyone.
The active ingredient in Panadol ActiFast – and in the wider Panadol range – is paracetamol. Each tablet contains 500mg, making these 500mg tablets one of the most widely used strengths for everyday pain relief.
Other ingredients: Sorbitol powder (E420), saccharin sodium, sodium bicarbonate, polyvidone, sodium lauryl sulphate, dimeticone, citric acid and sodium carbonate.
You can take Panadol ActiFast during pregnancy, but you should speak to your doctor or midwife first. Pregnant women have used paracetamol for many years and is generally considered safe at the recommended dose, but it’s always best to take the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking Panadol ActiFast.
Yes, you can take Panadol ActiFast on an empty stomach. Because the tablets are dissolved in water before you take them, they are already in liquid form, making them gentle on the stomach compared to some other pain relievers. This also means food doesn’t affect how quickly they are absorbed.
For adults and children aged 16 and over, the recommended dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 to 6 hours. If your pain or fever is mild, starting with 1 tablet is reasonable. For more significant pain, 2 tablets can be taken at once. Do not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Both products contain paracetamol 500mg as the active ingredient, but the key difference is the form. Standard Panadol tablets are swallowed whole, whereas Panadol ActiFast tablets are dissolved in water before taking. This means the paracetamol is already in solution when it reaches your stomach, allowing it to be absorbed more quickly for faster relief.
No, paracetamol is not a sedative, and Panadol ActiFast does not cause drowsiness. If you need a pain reliever that won’t affect your alertness, Panadol ActiFast is a suitable option.
Adults and children aged 16 and over can take a maximum of 8 tablets in 24 hours. Children aged 10 to 15 should take no more than 4 tablets in 24 hours. Always leave at least 4 hours between doses and never exceed the maximum daily dose, as too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage.
Page content authored by Amjad Khan, last reviewed by Mr Muhammad on 4th March 2026.
