As common as Cadbury Gems: Dolo 650 is India’s most popped pill!
PTC Web Desk: In Indian households, there are a few staples everyone recognises—tea, biscuits, and now, it seems, Dolo 650. Once just another paracetamol tablet on the shelf, Dolo 650 has risen to iconic status, so much so that Indian-American gastroenterologist Dr Palaniappan Manickam quipped on social media: "Indians take Dolo 650 like it’s Cadbury Gems."
Though humourous, the statement underscores a deeper reality—Dolo 650 has become one of the most consumed medications in India in recent years, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. Whether it was to manage post-vaccine side effects, treat seasonal fevers, or relieve mild body aches, this simple pill became a national essential.
Manufactured by Micro Labs, Dolo 650 contains 650mg of paracetamol, a widely trusted antipyretic and pain reliever. It works by blocking prostaglandins—chemicals responsible for causing fever and pain—thereby offering quick relief. Its effectiveness, affordability, and over-the-counter availability have made it a household name.
Sales figures tell the story even more clearly. According to a Forbes report, Micro Labs sold over 350 crore tablets of Dolo 650 since the beginning of the pandemic, raking in nearly Rs 400 crore in just one year. Before Covid-19, the company was selling about 7.5 crore strips annually. By the end of 2021, that number had surged to 14.5 crore, nearly doubling in volume.
The pill’s popularity was especially pronounced during vaccination drives, when paracetamol was commonly recommended to ease mild fever, headaches, and muscle pain following the Covid-19 jab. As demand surged, Dolo 650 became one of the most searched and talked-about medicines in India, even gaining meme status online.
Indians take Dolo 650 like it's cadbury gems — Palaniappan Manickam (@drpal_manickam) April 14, 2025
However, while its widespread use shows the trust people have in the drug, experts caution against overuse. Paracetamol, when taken beyond the recommended dosage, can cause serious liver damage. Self-medication, especially when combined with other medications that also contain paracetamol, can be harmful. Doctors recommend adhering strictly to dosage guidelines and consulting a healthcare provider when in doubt.
From chemist counters to meme pages, Dolo 650 has earned an unexpected place in pop culture and public health alike. While it's no candy, its consumption rate might just rival that of Cadbury Gems—making it a fascinating case study in how a common medication became a cultural phenomenon.
- PTC NEWS
