Dolo 650: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Ownership, and the Story Behind India’s Most Popular Fever Tablet

Table of Contents

Introduction

If you’ve ever suffered from a high fever, body ache, or post-vaccination discomfort in India, chances are you’ve taken Dolo 650. More than just a paracetamol tablet, it has become a household name—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when it earned the nickname “India’s national fever tablet.”

But what exactly is Dolo 650? Who owns it? And how did it rise to such fame? We’ll explore everything you need to know about Dolo 650—from its medical uses and dosage to its origin story, ownership, and controversies.

What is Dolo 650?

Dolo 650 is a paracetamol (acetaminophen) tablet manufactured by Micro Labs Ltd. Each tablet contains 650 mg of paracetamol, an analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer).

It works by blocking chemical messengers in the brain (prostaglandins) that cause fever and pain, thereby providing quick and effective relief.

The Origin Story: From Dolopar to Dolo 650

Micro Labs Ltd., the Bengaluru-headquartered pharmaceutical company, was founded in 1973 by G.C. Surana, who moved from Rajasthan to Chennai and started with just five products—including Dolopar (paracetamol)—and a small manufacturing facility.

By the 1990s, Dolopar had become a household name. In 1993, the company strategically relaunched a stronger successor—the 650 mg paracetamol variant, naming it Dolo 650—to differentiate it from the already saturated 500 mg paracetamol market.

Who Owns Dolo 650?

Dolo 650 is manufactured and marketed by Micro Labs Ltd., currently led by Dilip Surana, who serves as Chairman and Managing Director. He, along with his brother Anand, continues the family legacy of innovation and expansion initiated by their father, G.C. Surana.

Key Uses of Dolo 650

Doctors prescribe Dolo 650 for a wide range of common conditions:

Fever management – Helps reduce mild to high fever.
Headaches & migraines – Effective against tension headaches and mild migraines.
Body pain – Relieves muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue-related pain.
Cold & flu symptoms – Soothes discomfort caused by seasonal infections.
Toothache – Provides temporary dental pain relief.
Post-vaccination fever – Widely prescribed after immunizations.
Menstrual cramps – Offers relief from period-related discomfort.

Dosage and How to Take Dolo 650

Adults: 1 tablet every 6–8 hours as needed.
Maximum dosage: 4 tablets (2600 mg) in 24 hours.
Children: Dosage depends on age and weight—consult a pediatrician.
With or without food: Safe on an empty stomach, but better tolerated after meals.
Missed dose: Take when you remember, but never double-dose.

⚠️ Warning: Overdose of paracetamol can lead to serious liver damage. Always follow prescribed limits.

Side Effects of Dolo 650

Dolo 650 is considered safe when used correctly, but some rare side effects may occur:

Nausea or vomiting
Stomach upset
Allergic rash or itching
Dizziness
Liver damage (with overdose or long-term misuse)

Seek medical attention if you experience yellowing of the eyes/skin, severe abdominal pain, or unusual fatigue.

Growth & Expansion: Micro Labs Through the Years

Geographic & Product Reach: Micro Labs now offers over 400 products and exports to more than 50 countries, including regulated markets in the U.S. and Europe.
Manufacturing Footprint: From its first plant in Chennai, the company expanded over decades, setting up key facilities in Hosur (1982), Goa, and a state-of-the-art ophthalmic plant in 2006, among others, including its Sikkim facility, which is central to Dolo 650 production and recognized for manufacturing excellence

Dolo 650: A Breakthrough Brand

Innovation in Dosage: Unlike the 500 mg variants dominating the market, the 650 mg dose offered greater efficacy—especially for high fevers—and quickly caught doctors’ attention.
Swallowability by Design: Its oval shape and precise excipients were crafted for easy swallowing—an often overlooked but vital design element.
Strategic Positioning: Micro Labs emphasized educating doctors—rather than aggressive public advertising—through medical discussions, the “Fever Foundation,” and grassroots outreach

The COVID-19 Surge: Dolo 650 Goes Mainstream

During the pandemic:

Demand skyrocketed—annual tablet sales leapt from about 7.5 crore strips pre-COVID to 14.5 crore strips by the end of 2021. That translated to over 350 crore tablets sold, generating ₹400 crore in revenue in one year alone.
Cultural phenomenon: Dolo 650 became part of social media and meme culture, dubbed “India’s national tablet” due to its ubiquity and trust among households.
Vaccination campaigns: The brand supported India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive with informational posters at centers, and medical reps distributed samples, masks, and sanitizers—boosting visibility and trust.

Conclusion

From its humble beginnings in the 1970s to becoming India’s most trusted fever and pain tablet, Dolo 650 has had a fascinating journey. Backed by Micro Labs’ innovation and strong doctor-focused strategy, it stood out from competitors and cemented its place in medical practice—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dolo 650: Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, Ownership, and the Story Behind India’s Most Popular Fever Tablet 4

While safe and effective when taken responsibly, it’s important to remember: Dolo 650 is still a medicine. Always use it as prescribed, never exceed the recommended dosage, and consult your doctor for persistent health issues.