Dr. Pal’s viral tweet highlights India’s casual overuse of Dolo 650

A humorous tweet by US based gastroenterologist and comedian Dr Palaniappan Manickam, popularly known as Dr Pal, went viral for comparing India’s frequent use of Dolo 650 to eating Cadbury Gems. While light-hearted, his message struck a deeper chord, sparking widespread discussion online about the casual overuse of the popular paracetamol brand in Indian households. Many users shared memes and stories, calling Dolo a go-to remedy for everything from fever to emotional distress. 

Indians take Dolo 650 like it's cadbury gems

— Palaniappan Manickam (@drpal_manickam)

Indians take Dolo 650 like it's cadbury gems

— Palaniappan Manickam (@drpal_manickam) April 14, 2025

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Dr Pal, originally from Madurai and now based in California, is known for combining comedy and health education. His popularity grew during the Covid-19 pandemic, and he now uses humor to raise awareness on important medical topics. He later clarified that his Dolo joke carried a serious warning that overusing paracetamol without medical guidance can mask underlying illnesses and delay proper treatment. 

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Health experts echoed his concern. While paracetamol is effective for fever and mild pain, excessive or unsupervised intake can harm vital organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. The drug should not be taken in combination with other medications containing paracetamol, and adult dosage must not exceed 4 grams per day. In extreme cases, overuse can lead to liver failure, kidney damage or even internal bleeding. 

Doctors advise that paracetamol should be used for no more than two consecutive days without consulting a medical professional, especially if symptoms persist.