Dolo 650 Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Dolo 650 Tablet contains 650 mg of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It works by acting on the brain's temperature control center and by blocking chemicals in the body that cause pain. It is taken as a tablet with water, before or after food, and should be used exactly as prescribed by a doctor. Common side effects are usually mild, but certain precautions and warnings apply, especially regarding liver health and alcohol use.

What is Dolo 650 Tablet

Dolo 650 is a brand-name tablet containing 650 mg of paracetamol, also called acetaminophen. It belongs to the antipyretic/analgesic drug class and is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Dolo 650 Tablet uses

• Fever
• Headache
• Toothache
• Body pain
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Menstrual pain
• Pain associated with the common cold or flu
• Mild pain after vaccination
• Mild to moderate pain due to osteoarthritis (as advised by a doctor)
• Sore throat
• Migraine
• Strains and sprains
• Long-term mild to moderate pain
• Inflammation due to arthritis

Benefits of Dolo 650 Tablet

• Helps reduce fever by acting on the part of the brain that controls body temperature
• Helps relieve mild to moderate pain
• Has a mild anti-inflammatory effect at higher doses

How Dolo 650 Tablet works

The medicine reduces fever by acting on the brain's temperature control center, and it blocks the formation of chemicals in the body that cause pain, lowering the amount of pain a person feels.

Dolo 650 Tablet dosage

Take the tablet with a small amount of water, either before or after food; taking it after food may help reduce stomach discomfort in some people. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Take only the dose your doctor has prescribed and do not stop taking it on your own without following your doctor's advice. If you miss a dose, do not take an extra dose to make up for it. Keep the recommended time gap between doses and do not take it more often than recommended. Avoid taking other medicines that also contain paracetamol at the same time unless your doctor tells you to, since this can increase the risk of overdose and liver damage. Avoid alcohol and foods or drinks containing caffeine, such as tea, coffee, cola, or chocolate, while taking this medicine.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet — 650 mg

Side effects of Dolo 650 Tablet

Common

• Stomach pain, indigestion
• A general feeling of being unwell, with diffuse pain, fatigue or lack of interest in activities
• Nausea, vomiting
• Low blood pressure
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Diarrhoea
• Mild skin rash

Serious

• Partial or complete collapse of the lung, reduced lung function
• Abnormal liver function, liver damage
• Skin rashes
• Increased heartbeat
• Temporary difficulty speaking or breathing (spasm of the voice box)
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue and/or throat
• Trouble breathing and suffocation (swelling of the voice box)
• Shortness of breath, wheezing
• Abnormal nervous system effects
• Low platelet counts
• Decreased white blood cell counts
• Severe skin rash or eye problems

Warnings and precautions

• If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. 
• Breastfeeding mothers can generally use this medicine, but should check with their doctor first; there is no evidence it harms the baby.
•  Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease before taking this medicine, and use it under medical supervision if you have chronic kidney disease. 
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease before taking this medicine, since frequent or excessive use may increase the risk of liver damage. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine, as it can increase the risk of liver damage.
• Do not take other medicines that also contain paracetamol while using this medicine unless your doctor tells you to, because it can raise the risk of overdose and liver damage.
• Frequent or excessive use above the recommended dose can cause cumulative liver damage, especially if combined with alcohol.
• People with liver disease, heavy alcohol use, certain other medical conditions, or those on certain medicines like blood thinners should use this medicine only under a doctor's supervision.
• Taking this medicine without any fever or pain symptoms provides no benefit and may place unnecessary stress on the liver.

Storage

• Store in a dry and dark place at room temperature not exceeding 30ºC
• Keep medicine away from heat, open air and direct sunlight, as it can have harmful effects to the body
• Keep your medicine with you whenever travelling and take it as prescribed by your doctor

When to see a doctor

• Stop taking the medicine and get medical help right away if you have an allergic reaction, severe skin rash, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Stop the medicine and seek medical care if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark-coloured urine, persistent nausea or vomiting, or severe stomach pain.
• See a doctor if your fever or pain continues, gets worse, or if new symptoms appear despite taking this medicine.
• If you think you have taken too much, get medical help immediately, especially if you feel nausea or fatigue.

Alternatives

• Panadol 650
• Tylenol
• Paracip