Dolo 650 vs Crocin 650: Differences, Uses & Side Effects

Dolo 650 and Crocin 650 are tablets for fever and everyday pain, such as headache, toothache and body ache. Both are paracetamol medicines, and paracetamol lowers fever and eases pain. Crocin 650 contains only paracetamol; for Dolo 650, check the ingredients printed on your pack. Never take both together, because that doubles your paracetamol.

Both are paracetamol tablets. Paracetamol is an analgesic (painkiller) and an antipyretic (fever reducer). Crocin 650 has no second medicine added; for Dolo 650, check the ingredients printed on your pack.

Each Crocin 650 tablet contains 650 mg of paracetamol, in a tablet designed to break down faster. For Dolo 650, check the exact strength printed on your pack; it may vary between variants.

Other products in both ranges have different strengths or ingredients. These include Dolo 500, Dolo drops, Crocin Advance and the children's Crocin syrups, so always read the label.

Paracetamol works mainly in the brain and spinal cord, where it is believed to block the making of prostaglandins. These are chemicals that carry pain signals and raise body temperature. Because it does little to the protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining, it is usually gentler on the stomach than ibuprofen or aspirin.

Doctors usually recommend Dolo 650 or Crocin 650 for:

• Fever, including fever from cold, flu and viral infections
• Headache, including tension headache and migraine pain
• Toothache, until you can see a dentist
• Body and muscle aches, such as those that come with a cold or flu
• Sore throat pain, such as from a cold
• Joint pain, such as from arthritis

Neither tablet kills germs. If your fever comes from a bacterial infection, your doctor may give a separate medicine for it.

For most adults, choosing between them comes down to what is available. The maker's speed tests for Crocin 650 compared it with standard paracetamol tablets, not with Dolo 650 itself.

1. Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
2. Take it with or without food; an empty stomach is fine.
3. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
4. Check every other medicine you take, including cold and flu tablets, for paracetamol.
5. Use the lowest dose that works, for the shortest time you need it.

Your doctor or pharmacist decides how much and how often, based on your age, weight, symptoms and other health conditions. For Dolo 650, follow the directions printed on your pack or given by your doctor.

For Crocin 650, the pack leaflet lists 1 tablet every 4 to 6 hours for adults and children over 12. It also lists no more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.

Never increase the dose on your own. A higher dose does not bring a fever down faster, but it does raise the risk of serious liver damage. People who weigh under 50 kg, have liver problems or drink heavily may need a lower dose.

Crocin 650 is not recommended for children under 12. Children need a children's paracetamol product, such as a syrup or drops, at a dose a paediatrician sets by weight.

If you or someone else has taken too much, go to the nearest hospital emergency department at once. Do this even if you feel fine. Liver damage may not cause symptoms at first.

Call 112 or an ambulance on 108, and carry the medicine strip. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre, AIIMS New Delhi, on 1800 116 117.

Most people take these tablets only when needed, so a missed dose usually does not matter. If you take it on a schedule, take it when you remember, keeping a 4-hour gap from the last dose. Never take two tablets at once to make up for a missed one.

Paracetamol is absorbed quickly from the gut, so most people feel fever or pain start to ease soon after a dose. Do not take it for more than 3 days without medical advice.

Store the strip at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep it out of sight and reach of children, and do not use it after the expiry date.

Most people take paracetamol without any trouble. At the right dose, side effects are rare for both brands.

Common and mild:

Paracetamol rarely causes side effects at the right dose; tell your pharmacist about anything unusual.

Rare but serious (stop the medicine and see a doctor right away):

• Allergic reaction: swelling of the lips, tongue, throat or face, itchy rash, or trouble breathing
• Skin that peels or blisters, or mouth ulcers
• Bruising or bleeding you cannot explain, such as nosebleeds
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or upper belly pain, which can signal liver damage
• Deep, fast breathing with nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite

These all come from paracetamol itself, so they are the same for both brands. Liver damage is far more likely when someone takes more than the label dose, drinks heavily, or takes two paracetamol products together.

• People allergic to paracetamol or any tablet ingredient
• Children under 12 (use a children's paracetamol product instead)
• Anyone already taking another paracetamol-containing medicine

Tell your doctor before taking Dolo 650 or Crocin 650 if you have:

• Liver or kidney disease (paracetamol is cleared by the liver and kidneys)
• A severe infection, sepsis, severe malnutrition or very low body weight (raises the risk of acid build-up in the blood)
• Body weight under 50 kg (you may need a lower dose)
• Heavy or daily drinking (raises the risk of liver damage)
• Asthma or breathing trouble triggered by aspirin or similar painkillers
• A blood thinner such as warfarin in your daily medicines
• Pregnancy (use only after medical advice, at the lowest dose for the shortest time)
• Breastfeeding (paracetamol can usually be taken, but tell your doctor)

Always tell your doctor about every medicine, supplement or home remedy you are using. Occasional light drinking is usually not a problem, but heavy or daily drinking raises the risk of liver damage.

Paracetamol only eases symptoms; it does not treat the cause. See a doctor quickly if you have:

• Fever that lasts more than 3 days or keeps getting worse
• A severe sore throat with fever, headache, rash or vomiting
• Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or upper belly pain
• Taken more than the pack dose, even if you feel well
• High fever with severe headache, rash, belly pain or bleeding gums, which can signal dengue