Fact Check: Is Dolo 650 (Paracetamol) the Most Harmful Medicine in the World?
A viral Instagram post claims that Dolo 650 or paracetamol is the Most Harmful Medicine in the World. The user's claim is FALSE.
Claim
In an Instagram post, it is claimed that Dolo 650 or paracetamol is the Most Harmful Medicine in the World. The reel by the user uhudnutrients is titled, "Most Harmful Medicine In the Worth" As per the user paracetamol or Dolo 650 is the most side-effect-prone medicine. As per the user, researchers in 40 countries have done research and if an award were to be given, to the world’s worst medicine, it would go to this one. The user says that this medicine is so dangerous, yet we treat it like a universal solution and give it to the children whenever they have a fever, as if distributing sweets. The user further adds that this medicine should never be consumed.
The user's viral reel has garnered 8.2 million views, 87,909 likes, 738 comments, and 260,000 shares. You can view the reel here.
Fact Check
The claim made by the Instagram user is False. Dolo 650 or paracetamol is considered safe for managing fever and pain when used appropriately. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the assertion that Dolo 650 or paracetamol is the worst medicine in the world.
Understanding Paracetamol
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic for relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. It is absorbed in the small intestine, metabolized in the liver, and has an onset of action within an hour for oral use and 5-10 minutes for IV use, with effects lasting 4-6 hours. It is available in various forms, including oral, rectal, and IV, with dosing adjusted for age, weight, and condition. Common side effects include nausea and vomiting. Paracetamol is approved globally for conditions like fever and pain and is accessible in different strengths and formulations.
What is Dolo 650?
Dolo 650 is a brand name for paracetamol in India and is manufactured and marketed by Micro Labs Limited. It is an allopathic medication containing 650 mg of paracetamol (IUPAC name: Acetaminophen). It belongs to the therapeutic class of analgesics and antipyretics and is widely used for the treatment of fever and pain. After oral administration, paracetamol reaches peak plasma concentration within 30 minutes to 1 hour, with an onset of action occurring in less than an hour and a duration of 4 to 6 hours. Paracetamol is primarily metabolized in the liver and has minimal excretion as it incorporates into phospholipids, triglycerides, and cholesteryl esters. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and redness of rectal mucus membranes. Available over the counter in tablet form, Dolo 650 is approved by the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and is distributed in countries including India, Germany, Canada, France, and the USA.
Overdosage and Long-Term Risks of Dolo 650
An overdose of Dolo 650, containing 650 mg of paracetamol, can lead to severe liver toxicity, including renal tubular necrosis, hypoglycemic coma, liver necrosis, and potentially liver failure or death due to the toxic metabolite NAPQI.
Is Paracetamol Dangerous for Health?
Paracetamol, when used as directed, is considered safe and effective for managing pain and reducing fever. However, It is important to follow recommended dosages and consult a doctor for long-term use.
NHS UK has confirmed the safety of paracetamol and noted "Paracetamol is often used to treat mild to moderate pain. Paracetamol is safe for most people to take and side effects are rare."
The U.S. FDA identifies acetaminophen, the active ingredient in paracetamol, as one of the most commonly used components in a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. It is widely recognized for its effectiveness in relieving pain and reducing fever. Acetaminophen is often combined with other ingredients in OTC medications designed to address symptoms of allergies, colds, coughs, flu, and insomnia. In prescription drugs, it is frequently paired with additional compounds to manage moderate to severe pain effectively. Despite its widespread use, the FDA warns that exceeding the recommended dosage of acetaminophen can lead to serious liver damage, emphasizing the importance of adhering to dosage guidelines.
Therefore, overuse or extended use of Paracetamol may have certain side effects but it is important to note that it is effective and safe within prescribed limits.
Is Dolo 650 Most Harmful Medicine in the World?
There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim by the Instagram user that DOLO 650 (paracetamol) is most harmful medicine in the world. On the contrary, there is evidence that paracetamol is safe for use.
Indian Academy of Pediatrics highlighted that Paracetamol is the safest for fever and recommended not to use other medicines like aspirin or nimesulide for control of fever in children.
The World Health Organization recommends that paracetamol can be used to treat fever in children if their temperature is greater than 38.5 °C (101.3 °F).
The Ministry Of Consumer Affairs has recommended that adults take a maximum of 1,000 mg of paracetamol per single dose, with a daily limit of up to 4,000 mg. For children, the recommended dosage depends on their age and weight, typically calculated at 15 mg per kilogram of body weight.
Dolo 650 may be effective in relieving pain. A study published in Bioinformation reported that Dolo 650 demonstrated superior efficacy compared to a placebo in managing pain during the initial six hours following the completion of shaping and cleaning procedures for root canals.
The use of the drug has also been associated with reported side effects. A study by Jaspreet Kaur et al. identified significant risks associated with acetaminophen use in people aged 65 years or more, including peptic ulcer bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart failure, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease.
Another study led by Iwona Popiołek et. al. highlighted that excessive intake of paracetamol can commonly trigger allergic reactions, including swelling (angioedema), skin rashes, and hives (urticaria).
Similarly, a study published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases highlights the potential risks associated with commonly used medications. The findings reveal that even widely available over-the-counter drugs, such as paracetamol, can sometimes lead to drug-induced lung damage.
The claim that Dolo 650 is the most harmful medicine in the world is False. Dolo 650, which contains paracetamol, is widely used for relieving pain and reducing fever. When taken as recommended, it is generally safe with minimal side effects. While excessive or prolonged use can lead to serious health risks, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that Dolo 650 is the Most Harmful Medicine in the World.
In a conversation with Dr Aman Rathore, DNB, Critical Care Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital regarding the claim, he said, "No, Dolo 650 is not the world’s worst medicine. This claim is entirely false. Dolo 650, which contains paracetamol, is one of the most commonly used and widely trusted medicines for relieving fever and mild to moderate pain. Approved by health authorities like the Drug Controller General of India, it has been in use for decades with an excellent safety profile when taken as directed. Concerns typically arise from misuse or overdose, which can strain the liver. However, such risks are associated with any medication if not used responsibly. Dolo 650 is safe for most individuals, including children and the elderly, provided the recommended dosage is followed. It's crucial to consult a doctor if you have underlying conditions or are taking other medications. Spreading misinformation about trusted medicines can cause unnecessary fear. Trust evidence-based medical advice to ensure your safety and health."
Dr Juhi Singla, MD (Pharmacologist), SGT UNIVERSITY Gurgaon, MBBS, Era’s Lucknow Medical College further added, "Dolo 650 or paracetamol 650 is one of the most commonly used medicines for fever and pain relief. It contains paracetamol, a trusted drug recommended by doctors worldwide for decades. When used correctly, it’s safe, effective, and affordable. However, like any medicine, it should be taken responsibly. Misusing or overusing it can lead to harmful side effects, especially on the liver. As a Pharmacologist , I’ve seen how Dolo 650 or paracetamol 650 has helped countless people recover from mild illnesses. But I’ve also come across cases where people take it without understanding the proper dosage, thinking it’s harmless just because it’s available over the counter. That’s where problems arise.
The key is balance. If you have a fever or mild pain, Dolo 650 can work wonders to ease your discomfort. But it’s crucial to stick to the recommended dose and not exceed it, no matter how tempting it might be to speed up recovery. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t rely solely on medicines like Dolo—reach out to a doctor."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
While Dolo 650 or paracetamol 650 is effective for relieving pain and reducing fever, it is not inherently harmful when used as directed. The overuse of this medicine can lead to serious health complications. It is crucial to adhere to recommended dosages and consult a doctor if symptoms persist or if there are concerns about side effects.
Thus, the claim is FALSE.
