Is Dolo 650 safe? US doctors warn against excessive use of this popular fever pill in India. Learn how overuse can harm your liver & kidneys.
The Dangerous Truth About Dolo 650: Is Your Favorite Fever Pill Slowly Poisoning You?
Let me tell you a story about something that happened in my own family last year. My cousin Ramesh, a healthy 32-year-old, was popping Dolo 650 tablets like they were mints - for every little headache, fever, or even when he just felt "under the weather." Three months later, he was in the hospital with acute liver inflammation. The doctor's first question? "How often do you take painkillers?"
This isn't just Ramesh's story. Across India, millions are unknowingly putting their health at risk with this seemingly harmless white pill. Let's break down what's really happening.
Why Dolo 650 Became India's Go-To Medicine
Walk into any medical store in India and ask for something to reduce fever. Nine times out of ten, you'll walk out with Dolo 650. It became especially popular during COVID-19 when people needed quick fever relief. But here's the problem - what started as emergency use turned into everyday habit.
What Makes Dolo 650 Potentially Dangerous?
The active ingredient - paracetamol (650mg) - isn't dangerous in itself. The danger lies in how we're using it:
The Candy Mentality: Many of us treat it like candy, taking it without a second thought
No Doctor Consultation: "It's just a Dolo" has become common thinking
Combination Risks: Mixing it with other medicines or alcohol
Real People, Real Consequences
Case 1: Priya, 28, Bangalore - Took Dolo regularly for migraines for 2 years, now has stage 1 liver fibrosis
Case 2: The Sharma family - All four members would take Dolo for any minor ailment, now all have elevated liver enzymes
How Your Body Reacts to Overuse
When you take too much Dolo 650:
Your liver works overtime to process it
Over time, liver cells start dying
Toxins build up in your body
Your kidneys have to work harder to filter everything
Signs You're Taking Too Much
Watch out for:
Yellowing of eyes/skin
Dark urine
Constant fatigue
Loss of appetite
Pain in upper right abdomen
Better Alternatives
Instead of automatically reaching for Dolo:
For fever below 102°F - Try sponging with normal water
Headaches - Peppermint oil on temples
Body ache - Epsom salt bath
When you must take medicine - Stick to 500mg paracetamol, not 650
The Bottom Line
Dolo 650 isn't evil - it's a useful medicine when used correctly. The problem is we've stopped treating it like medicine and started treating it like candy. Your liver doesn't have a voice to complain until it's too late.
Next time you're about to pop that pill, ask yourself: "Is this absolutely necessary?" Your future self might thank you for that moment of hesitation.
Remember what my doctor friend always says: "The safest medicine is the one you don't need to take." Food for thought, isn't it?
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