Description:

APC Fast Acting Tablets  is a classic combination analgesic/antipyretic medication (often called A.P.C. tablets). It provides rapid relief from mild to moderate pain, fever, headache, toothache, muscle aches, back pain, menstrual cramps, and cold/flu symptoms. The “fast acting” claim comes from the synergistic trio: aspirin for inflammation/pain, paracetamol for additional analgesia/fever reduction, and caffeine to enhance the effects of both and reduce drowsiness.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term use.

Therapeutic Category:

Analgesic / Antipyretic / Anti-inflammatory Combination or similar for aspirin + paracetamol + caffeine).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet typically contains:

• Acetylsalicylic Acid (Aspirin) BP – 250 mg (analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic).
• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) BP – 250 mg (analgesic, antipyretic).
• Caffeine Anhydrous BP – 30–50 mg (central nervous system stimulant; enhances analgesia and reduces drowsiness). Other ingredients: Excipients like lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, hydrogenated vegetable oil, starch, and coating agents (tablet is often white/off-white, round).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• APC Fast Acting Tablets (standard aspirin 250mg + paracetamol 250mg + caffeine 30–50mg). Related variants: APC Extra (higher caffeine or added ingredients), APC Plus (similar combos), or other Kinapharma pain relievers (e.g., Kinapain). Common pack sizes: 10×10 = 100 tablets or smaller blisters (10–20 tablets).

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with food/milk to reduce stomach upset).

Directions/Usage:

Adults: Typically 1–2 tablets every 4–6 hours as needed (maximum 8 tablets in 24 hours).

• Take with food or milk to minimize stomach irritation.
• Do not exceed recommended dose or use longer than a few days without medical advice.
• Children 12+: Half adult dose (consult pharmacist/doctor).
• Not for children under 12 without guidance (due to aspirin risk of Reye’s syndrome).

Common Side Effects: Common (mild):

• Stomach upset, heartburn, nausea (from aspirin).
• Drowsiness or restlessness (from caffeine).
• Mild allergic reactions (rash, itching). Rare/serious (seek help): Stomach bleeding/ulcers (black stools, vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions (swelling, breathing difficulty), Reye’s syndrome in children (with viral illness), or liver/kidney issues (with overuse).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 10×10 = 100 tablets or smaller like 10–20 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient info).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Do not use if allergic to aspirin, paracetamol, caffeine, or NSAIDs.
• Contraindicated in active stomach ulcers, bleeding disorders, severe liver/kidney disease, children under 12 with viral illness (Reye’s syndrome risk), or late pregnancy (aspirin risk).
• Caution in asthma (aspirin-exacerbated), gout, or on anticoagulants (increased bleeding risk).
• Avoid alcohol (increases GI bleeding risk).
• If black stools, severe stomach pain, or allergic symptoms occur, stop use and seek immediate medical care.
• Do not exceed dose (risk of paracetamol overdose/liver damage or aspirin toxicity).
• Keep out of reach of children.

Product Substitutes: Similar aspirin + paracetamol + caffeine tablets in Ghana include:

• Generic APC tablets (various importers).
• APC Plus or APC Extra (similar combos).
• Alternatives: Paracetamol alone (Panadol), ibuprofen, or diclofenac for pain/fever. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Kinapharma Limited (Ghana-based pharmaceutical manufacturer; produces APC Fast Acting Tablets as part of its OTC analgesic range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Kinapharma (headquartered in Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Kinapharma Limited; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).