It’s 2020. The world has come to a grinding halt. Streets are silent, offices have gone digital, and people are stuck at home battling an invisible enemy—COVID-19. With high fever being one of its most common symptoms, panic set in every time someone felt even slightly warm. But for millions of Indians, the solution was simple: pop a Dolo-650 and carry on.
From work-from-home warriors trying to beat a fever before the next Zoom call to families managing symptoms at home, Dolo became the go-to remedy. The pandemic may have passed, but the legacy of Dolo-650 lives on—still tucked away in our medicine boxes like a household essential.
What Exactly Is Dolo-650?
Dolo-650 is a brand of paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen), a widely used over-the-counter medication that helps reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain. It’s not a new drug, nor is it unique in its function. Several other brands—Crocin, Calpol, Paracip, Sumo, Febrinil—offer the same active ingredient.
So why did Dolo-650 become the hero of the pandemic?
The answer lies partly in its dosage. Most other paracetamol tablets contain 500 mg of the drug. Dolo, as its name proudly flaunts, offers 650 mg. This seemingly small increase gave people the perception that it was stronger, more effective, and quicker in action. Though both 500 mg and 650 mg tablets serve the same purpose medically, the higher dose made Dolo stand out on pharmacy shelves—and in people’s minds.
The Viral Fame of Dolo-650
Recently, a post by a wellness enthusiast on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) reignited India’s fascination with Dolo. The tweet jokingly compared Dolo to “Cadbury Gems”, implying that Indians consumed the medicine as casually as candy. What followed was an internet storm of memes, replies, and nostalgia.
“I just took one and saw this tweet—what a coincidence!” read one amused response.
“It’s safe, it’s good, it’s healthy, and unlike Cadbury Gems, it actually reduces fever and headaches,” said another user, blending sarcasm with truth.
Some wondered aloud when the shift happened—when Crocin and Calpol faded into the background, and Dolo became the shorthand for paracetamol itself.
Others were more reflective: “Indians take medicine without consulting doctors like it’s candy.”
And then, the most accurate one of them all: “Side effect of COVID.”
The COVID Boom
Google Trends data from 2020 to 2021 reveals how Dolo-650 dominated Indian search queries during the pandemic. Questions like “Can I take 2 Dolo-650 tablets?”, “What happens if I take Dolo-650 without fever?”, and “How many Dolo-650 tablets are safe in a day?” flooded the search engine.
People weren’t just using Dolo—they were obsessed with understanding it. From dosage to side effects, the fever-fighting pill became a subject of national interest.
And the numbers prove it.
Before the pandemic, India saw the sale of roughly 7.5 crore strips of Dolo annually. By late 2021, that number had nearly doubled to 14.5 crore strips. In total, over 350 crore tablets were sold during the COVID years, making it one of the most consumed drugs in India’s pharmaceutical history.
The pill is manufactured by Micro Labs, a Bengaluru-based pharma company. Although the product wasn’t new, the company experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, all thanks to a public health crisis that made every home a mini-clinic.
So, Is Dolo-650 Really That Special?
Dolo-650 is essentially a higher-dose paracetamol tablet. While it’s effective in reducing fever and relieving pain, it’s not significantly different in terms of results compared to other paracetamol brands. What worked in Dolo’s favor was clever branding, timely availability, and public perception.
Paracetamol is one of the safest medications when taken as directed. But like all medicines, it must be used with care. Taking too much, or using it too frequently, can cause liver damage. That’s why it’s important to follow dosage instructions and consult a healthcare professional when symptoms persist or worsen.
The Psychology of a Pandemic Pill
There’s something powerful about collective memory. Just like Maggi reminds us of childhood or Dettol of hospital visits, Dolo-650 will forever be associated with COVID. It became more than a pill—it was a symbol of comfort in uncertain times.
When you had a fever, you reached for Dolo. When your family member was coughing, Dolo was there. It represented a sense of control when everything else seemed chaotic. That emotional connection, more than its chemical composition, explains its iconic status.
What’s Next for Dolo?
The buzz around Dolo has calmed, but it remains a staple in Indian homes. While the post-pandemic world might not see the same surge in sales, its place in pop culture is cemented. From viral tweets to everyday conversations, Dolo is now part of our collective health journey.
And who knows? The next time you open your medicine cabinet, you might find yourself reaching for that familiar oval pill—not just because you need it, but because you trust it.
