Description:

Asmanol 25 x 4 Tablets (by ECL / Ernest Chemists Limited) is a prescription analgesic and antipyretic combination tablet used for the relief of mild to moderate pain and fever. It is commonly indicated for headache, toothache, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), muscle aches, back pain, joint pain, and fever associated with colds or flu. The formulation combines paracetamol (for pain and fever reduction) with caffeine (to enhance analgesic effect and reduce fatigue) and sometimes codeine or other components in similar products, but Asmanol specifically is a paracetamol-based combo popular in Ghana for quick pain/fever relief.

Prescription:

Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term use. No prescription required; freely available in pharmacies and retail outlets. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if pain/fever persists beyond 3–5 days, is severe, recurrent, or for use in children under 12, pregnant/breastfeeding women, or those with liver/kidney issues.

Therapeutic Category:

Analgesic / Antipyretic Combination (Paracetamol-based pain and fever relief with caffeine enhancement.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

Each tablet typically contains:

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) BP – 500 mg (primary analgesic and antipyretic).
• Caffeine Anhydrous BP – 30–65 mg (potentiates paracetamol’s analgesic effect and counteracts fatigue). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Tablets are white/off-white, round or capsule-shaped, and film-coated.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Asmanol 25 x 4 Tablets (standard pack of 100 tablets total; 25 strips of 4 tablets each). Related variants: Asmanol in smaller packs (e.g., 10 x 4 = 40 tablets), Asmanol Plus (with codeine or additional ingredients in some markets), or Asmanol Syrup (liquid form). The 25 x 4 (100 tablets) is the bulk/family pack size.

Consume Type:

Oral – Film-coated tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

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

• Take with water; do not exceed 4 g paracetamol/day (8 tablets of 500 mg).
• Children 12+: 1 tablet every 4–6 hours (consult pharmacist/doctor).
• Children under 12: Not recommended without medical advice (use syrup or lower-dose paracetamol).
• Duration: Short-term (e.g., 3–5 days); do not use longer without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated at recommended dose; mild/rare:

• Nausea or stomach upset (from paracetamol or caffeine).
• Insomnia or restlessness (from caffeine).
• Allergic reactions (rash, itching—rare). Rare/serious (seek help): Severe liver damage (overdose/paracetamol toxicity: jaundice, abdominal pain), severe allergic reactions (swelling, breathing difficulty), or gastrointestinal bleeding (if overuse).

Package Type:

Blister packs (25 strips of 4 tablets each = 100 tablets total; foil blisters in outer carton/box with patient information and dosing guide).

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. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Do not exceed recommended dose (risk of paracetamol-induced liver damage; 4 g/day max).
• Contraindicated if allergic to paracetamol/caffeine or ingredients, severe liver/kidney disease, or active stomach ulcer.
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (paracetamol safe but confirm), alcohol use (increases liver risk), or chronic conditions.
• Avoid concurrent use with other paracetamol-containing products (e.g., cold remedies).
• If overdose suspected (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, jaundice), seek emergency care immediately (N-acetylcysteine antidote effective if early).
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk).

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

• APC Fast Acting Tablets (Kinapharma; aspirin + paracetamol + caffeine).
• Panadol Extra (paracetamol + caffeine).
• Generic paracetamol 500mg + caffeine tablets (various importers).
• 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:

Ernest Chemists Limited (ECL; Ghana-based pharmaceutical company; produces Asmanol as part of its analgesic/OTC range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by ECL (headquartered in Accra).

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Ernest Chemists Limited/ECL; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).