Overview :
Dolo 650 is the most common medicine used during a fever and to relieve mild to moderate pain. This tablet effectively reduces fever and mild to moderate pain. The fever-reducing action is achieved by inhibiting the production of certain chemicals in the body and by increasing the loss of heat from the body. This tablet inhibits the signals of pain that are sent to the brain, as a result, the pain experienced by the person is reduced after taking it.
Paracetamol is the main constituent of Dolo 650. It is also used to reduce body pain during a fever. Paracetamol is prescribed alone or in combination with other drugs for cancer and post-operative patients for pain relief. The usual dosage for adults is 1 to 2 tablets every four hours if needed, but it should not exceed 4000 mg in a day.
What Is the Composition of Dolo 650?
Dolo 650 contains Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), which belongs to the group called aniline analgesics. It does not belong to the non-steroidal anti-Inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) group of medicines as it is not very effective against inflammation. Paracetamol is typically used to reduce fever and pain.
It is considered to be the safest drug and the first line of treatment for fever, as the side effects are very rare. It is the most easily available over-the-counter-drug.
What Is Dolo 650 Used For?
It is mainly used to reduce fever (antipyretic) and pain (analgesic). It is majorly used as a painkiller for moderate pain. Dolo 650 can be used in the following conditions:
Fever.
Post immunization pyrexia (fever after getting a vaccine).
Headache.
Muscular pain.
Dental pain.
Back pain.
Joint pain (arthritis).
Menstrual cramps.
Ear pain.
Flu.
How Does Dolo 650 Work?
Dolo 650 works as an antipyretic (against fever) by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are mediators of inflammation. They decrease the concentration of prostaglandin. And the analgesic (painkiller) action is the result of inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and COX-2 cascading pathways. The analgesic action is by activating the descending serotonergic pathways by the drug.
Onset of Action:
On taking Dolo orally, it is actively absorbed from the digestive tract, and it takes roughly 1 hour for the onset of action. The action lasts for around 6 hours. A minimum of 4 hours gap should be given between two consecutive doses.
Paracetamol is predominantly metabolized in the liver, and 85 to 95 % of the drug is excreted within 24 hours through the urine.
Habit Forming:
There are no reports of habit-forming tendencies with Dolo 650.
Expiry Date:
The expiration date is 4 years after the date of manufacture for Dolo 650. Look at the instructions behind the leaflet before you take this medicine.
What Is the Dosage of Dolo 650?
The brand Dolo is manufactured by Micro Labs Ltd. It is available as Dolo 500 mg, Dolo 650 mg, and Dolo 1000 mg strengths.
Normally, the dosage is calculated by the weight and age of the patient by the physician. So, the dosage varies from person to person. But, the recommended dosage is 500 to 1000 mg every 4 to 6 hours for adults, until the symptoms last. The maximum dosage is 4000 mg per day.
Missed dose:
There is no side effect on missing a dose, so you can take the next dose whenever you remember.
For kids, the dosage is calculated by their weight. The recommended dosage is 15 mg of Paracetamol per kilogram of the child’s weight.
Consult a doctor to know the dosage for infants below 1 year.
What Are the Drug Warnings and Precautions?
Like all other drugs, there are few things that one needs to consider before taking this tablet. Inform the physician if you have any of the following conditions:
Liver disease – As this tablet gets metabolized in the liver, it is not advisable to take it if you have a pre-existing liver condition.
Alcohol consumption - Alcohol consumption should be avoided while on the tablet. It can cause liver damage, which might be life-threatening.
Kidney disease – If you have impaired kidney function, it is not advisable to take painkillers, as it will worsen the condition.
Pregnancy – It is considered relatively safe in pregnancy, but should be taken under medical supervision.
Breastfeeding – It is usually safe to take Paracetamol during breastfeeding, but it is important to tell your physician if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy – An allergic reaction is very rare, but if you are allergic to Paracetamol, then avoid taking Dolo 650.
Other drugs – This medicine interacts with drugs like Sodium nitrate, Phenytoin, Leflunomide, Prilocaine, Warfarin, and Carbamazepine in the body and might cause some side effects. So, inform your physician if you are on any other medication.
What Are the Side Effects of Dolo 650?
No serious side effects have been seen with the use of Paracetamol if taken under the recommended dosage. Indiscriminate and long-term use of Dolo 650 might cause the following side effects:
1. Nausea.
2. Vomiting.
3. Stomach pain.
4. Difficulty in breathing.
5. Allergic skin rash.
6. Liver damage.
7. Kidney damage.
Dolo 650 Overdose:
Dolo 650 if taken higher than the recommended dosage in a short period of time results in paracetamol poisoning or toxicity. Paracetamol poisoning is a serious condition and it requires immediate medical attention. Paracetamol toxicity presents itself in three stages. Usually, there are no definitive symptoms in the first 24 hours after the overdose, which is the first stage of poisoning.
In the second stage, which lasts from 24 to 78 hours after the overdose, the patient may present with the following symptoms:
1. Severe abdominal pain.
2. Loss of appetite.
3. Sweating.
4. Skin turning pale.
5. Vomiting.
6. Coma.
If left untreated, during the third stage, it may lead to damaged liver function, reduced kidney function, multiple organ failure, brain damage, and ultimately death. The third stage lasts from the third to the fifth day.
N-Acetylcysteine is used in the treatment of Paracetamol poisoning. It can be used up to 24 hours after the overdose, but it works best if given within 8 hours.
What Are the Interactions of Dolo 650?
All drugs interact with other drugs, food, or supplements and result in certain side effects. So if you are taking multiple tablets or have a pre-diagnosed condition for which you are under medication, it is best to tell your doctor about them. The doctor will then prescribe substitute drugs or alter the dosage accordingly. The common interactions are:
With Disease:
Alcoholism - In chronic alcohol users, this medicine increases the risk of serious liver injuries. If you have a liver condition and are taking Dolo, the doctor will closely monitor the liver function for any abnormality. Get immediate medical help if you notice unusual symptoms. If needed, the doctor will prescribe some other drugs or alter the dosage.
Renal impairment- This medicine can worsen a pre-existing liver disease, as the majority of it is metabolised in the liver. So avoid this medicine if you have liver function impairment or active liver diseases. If you notice symptoms like nausea, fever, rashes, jaundice, dark urine, pale stool, etc., consult a doctor immediately.
Chronic malnutrition - Chronic malnutrition is commonly associated with chronic illness and alcoholism. These conditions increase the risk of Paracetamol toxicity.
With Medicine:
Carbamazepine.
Phenytoin.
Antihypertensives.
Sodium Nitrite.
Leflunomide prilocaine.
Corticosteroids.
Aspirin.
Methotrexate.
Anticoagulants.
With Lab test:
5-HIAA urine test - Dolo 650 might give a false positive result in 5-HIAA urine test. So inform your doctor or lab technician if you are on this medication before taking this test.
What Are the Substitutes for Tablet Dolo 650?
Other drugs that have the same composition are:
Tablet P 650.
Tablet Calpol 650.
Tablet Crocin 650
Tablet Algina 650.
Tablet Pacimol 650.
Tablet Paracip 650.
Tablet Dolopar 650.
Tablet Febrinil 650.
Tablet Pacimol 650.
Tablet Parafizz 650.
Only taking Paracetamol might not cure your illness completely, so it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking this or any other tablet. For severe pain, Paracetamol is given in combination with Caffeine, as it increases its pain-relieving capacity. As it interacts with other drugs and causes some side effects, it is always safe to get the doctor’s opinion before taking Dolo medicine.
