Summary
While Dolo-650 is generally safe when used as directed for short periods, frequent or long-term use without medical advice increases the risk of liver and kidney damage, gastrointestinal bleeding, elevated blood pressure, and rare blood disorders. It is essential to follow prescribed dosages, avoid self-medication, and consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or if you require frequent pain or fever relief.
Why Indians Are Taking Dolo-650 Like It’s Cadbury Gems: A Viral Doctor’s Warning on Overuse and Health Risks
In recent days, a viral tweet by US-based gastroenterologist Dr. Palaniappan Manickam, popularly known as Dr. Pal, has sparked widespread discussion across India about the casual and excessive consumption of Dolo-650 tablets. Dr. Pal humorously remarked, “Indians take Dolo 650 like it’s Cadbury Gems,” highlighting how this paracetamol-based medicine has become a near-ubiquitous remedy for everything from fever and headaches to tiredness and stress.
What Is Dolo-650 and Why Is It So Popular?
Dolo-650, manufactured by Bengaluru-based Micro Labs Limited, contains 650 mg of paracetamol, a pain reliever and fever reducer. It gained massive popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were advised to take paracetamol to manage vaccine side effects and mild symptoms. Since then, it has become a staple in Indian households, often taken without medical supervision for a wide range of minor ailments or even “just in case”.
Sales of Dolo-650 skyrocketed during the pandemic, with the number of strips sold nearly doubling from pre-pandemic levels. Its ease of availability over the counter and the public’s trust in its efficacy have made it the go-to medicine for many.
The Viral Tweet That Sparked a Nationwide Conversation
Dr. Pal’s tweet struck a chord with millions, going viral on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). Many users admitted to popping Dolo-650 tablets frequently, sometimes for reasons beyond fever or pain, such as fatigue or stress. The comparison to Cadbury Gems — a popular candy — captured the pill’s cultural status as a “snack” for ailments.
However, the humor also underscored a serious concern: the risks associated with overusing paracetamol, especially without proper medical guidance.
Health Risks of Overusing Dolo-650
Paracetamol overdose is a leading cause of acute liver failure worldwide. The liver metabolizes paracetamol, but excessive intake overwhelms its capacity, leading to toxicity, inflammation, and in severe cases, liver damage or failure.
Doctors warn that frequent, unsupervised use of Dolo-650 can mask symptoms of underlying illnesses, delay proper diagnosis, and cause serious health complications. The drug is not harmless candy but a potent medicine that requires responsible use.
Expert Opinions and Public Response
Healthcare experts emphasize the importance of adhering to recommended dosages and consulting a doctor before taking Dolo-650 regularly. The Indian Academy of Pediatrics and other health bodies caution against self-medication, especially with high-dose paracetamol tablets like Dolo-6502.
The viral discussion has also reignited debates about pharmaceutical marketing practices. A 2022 Public Interest Litigation accused the makers of Dolo-650 of distributing freebies to doctors to promote the pill aggressively.
Frequently taking Dolo-650 (paracetamol 650 mg) over the long term can lead to several serious health risks, especially if taken beyond the recommended dose or without medical supervision.
Potential Long-Term Effects of Frequent Dolo-650 Use
Liver Damage and Toxicity: Paracetamol is metabolized in the liver, and excessive or prolonged use can cause severe liver injury, including acute liver failure. Early overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and fatigue, but untreated, it can progress to life-threatening liver damage.
Kidney Problems: Chronic overuse may impair kidney function, particularly in people with pre-existing kidney disease. This can reduce urine output and cause fatigue.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Long-term use may cause stomach irritation, gastritis, or even stomach bleeding. Taking Dolo-650 with food or milk is advised to reduce these risks.
Blood Pressure Increase: Studies have shown that chronic paracetamol use can cause a small but significant rise in systolic blood pressure, which may increase cardiovascular risk.
Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia): Rarely, overuse can lead to reduced platelet levels, causing easy bruising or bleeding.
Other Rare but Serious Side Effects: These include allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling of face or throat (angioedema), respiratory difficulties, and abnormal nervous system effects.
The symptoms of an overdose of Dolo-650 (paracetamol 650 mg) typically develop in stages and may not be immediately obvious. Common early symptoms include:
Nausea and vomiting
Stomach pain or abdominal discomfort
Loss of appetite
Sweating and pallor (paleness)
Dark-colored urine
Within 24 to 72 hours after overdose, more serious signs may appear, such as:
Pain in the upper right abdomen (where the liver is located)
Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Elevated liver enzymes indicating liver damage
Confusion or disorientation due to brain effects (encephalopathy)
Reduced urine output or kidney problems
If untreated, severe overdose can lead to acute liver failure, impaired blood clotting, brain dysfunction, kidney failure, and can be fatal.
Because symptoms may take time to develop, immediate medical attention is critical if an overdose is suspected, even if no symptoms are present initially.
What Should You Do?
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Use Dolo-650 only as directed: Follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid taking the tablet for extended periods without medical advice.
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Consult a healthcare professional: If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention rather than relying on repeated doses.
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Be aware of liver health: Avoid combining paracetamol with alcohol or other medications that stress the liver.
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Educate yourself and others: Share awareness about the risks of overusing common medicines like Dolo-650.
Conclusion
The viral comparison of Dolo-650 to Cadbury Gems has humorously highlighted a serious public health issue: the casual, widespread use of a powerful medicine without adequate caution. While Dolo-650 remains an effective remedy for fever and pain when used responsibly, overuse can lead to dangerous health consequences.
This conversation serves as a timely reminder for everyone to treat medicines with the respect they deserve and to prioritize safe, informed healthcare choices.
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