ADOL 500mg Tablets

What is ADOL 500mg

ADOL 500mg Tablets contain Paracetamol as the active ingredient, a widely used over-the-counter analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer). It is primarily indicated for the relief of mild to moderate pain and the reduction of fever. ADOL is manufactured in a convenient tablet form, with each tablet containing 500mg of Paracetamol. This strength is suitable for adults and adolescents, offering effective relief for common symptoms.

• Therapeutic Class: Non-opioid Analgesic and Antipyretic
• Formulation: Tablets (20s, packed as 10s Blister x 2)
• Common Uses: Headaches, toothaches, menstrual cramps, muscle aches, backaches, arthritis, fever from infections
• Onset of Action: Typically within 30 minutes of oral intake
• Duration of Effect: Approximately 4 to 6 hours

ADOL 500mg is considered a first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain, especially when NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are not well tolerated. It is commonly recommended by physicians due to its low gastrointestinal toxicity and general safety profile when taken at appropriate doses.

How to use ADOL 500mg

Using ADOL 500mg tablets properly ensures both efficacy and safety. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations or the guidelines provided on the packaging.

• Administration Route: Oral
• Timing: Can be taken with or without food; if stomach upset occurs, take with meals.
• Hydration: Take the tablet with a full glass of water to aid swallowing and absorption.
• Swallow Whole: Do not chew, crush, or split the tablet unless advised.
• Regular Dosing: If required, doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart.
• Avoid Alcohol: Concurrent alcohol use increases the risk of liver toxicity.
• Do Not Exceed: Maximum daily dose is 4000mg (8 tablets of 500mg) in adults.

ADOL should not be used continuously for more than a few days unless directed by a physician. If symptoms persist or worsen, a medical consultation is necessary. Special caution is advised in elderly patients and those with liver conditions.

Mode of Action ADOL 500mg

Paracetamol, the active ingredient in ADOL 500mg, exerts its therapeutic effects through a unique mechanism of action that sets it apart from NSAIDs.

• Central Inhibition of Prostaglandin Synthesis: Paracetamol primarily works by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX), particularly COX-2, within the central nervous system (CNS). This leads to a reduction in the synthesis of prostaglandins that mediate pain and fever.
• Antipyretic Effect: Paracetamol acts on the hypothalamic heat-regulating center, leading to vasodilation and increased peripheral blood flow, which helps in heat dissipation and lowering fever.
• Lack of Anti-inflammatory Action: Unlike NSAIDs, Paracetamol has minimal effect on peripheral COX enzymes, hence it lacks significant anti-inflammatory activity.
• Minimal GI Irritation: Due to its limited peripheral action, Paracetamol does not significantly inhibit prostaglandins in the gastric mucosa, making it a safer choice for patients with gastrointestinal sensitivities.

This mode of action provides effective symptomatic relief of pain and fever without the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular risks commonly associated with NSAIDs.

ADOL 500mg Interactions ADOL 500mg

While Paracetamol is generally safe, certain drug interactions can influence its efficacy or increase the risk of adverse effects. It’s important to consider potential interactions with other medications.

• Alcohol: Chronic alcohol intake significantly increases the risk of hepatotoxicity due to enhanced liver enzyme activity.
• Warfarin and Anticoagulants: Prolonged use of Paracetamol can increase the anticoagulant effect, raising the risk of bleeding.
• Enzyme-Inducing Drugs: Drugs like phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampicin, and barbiturates can enhance the metabolism of Paracetamol into toxic metabolites, increasing the risk of liver damage.
• Cholestyramine: May reduce the absorption of Paracetamol if taken within 1 hour of dosing.
• Metoclopramide/Domperidone: May increase the rate of Paracetamol absorption by accelerating gastric emptying.
• Isoniazid: Co-administration can increase hepatotoxic potential due to liver enzyme competition.

Always inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting ADOL 500mg.

Dosage of ADOL 500mg

The dosage of ADOL 500mg should be based on the patient’s age, weight, and clinical condition. Below are standard dosing guidelines.

• Adults and Adolescents (12 years and older): 500mg to 1000mg (1 to 2 tablets) every 4–6 hours as needed. Maximum: 4000mg per 24 hours.
• Elderly: Same as adult dose, but caution is advised due to potential liver function impairment.
• Children under 12: ADOL 500mg is not recommended in tablet form. Pediatric formulations should be used instead.
• Patients with Liver Disease: Lower doses are required. Do not exceed 2000mg/day unless medically supervised.
• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time for the next dose. Never double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Paracetamol overdose can lead to severe liver damage, and symptoms may not appear for several hours. If an overdose is suspected, seek immediate medical attention.

Possible side effects of ADOL 500mg

ADOL 500mg (Paracetamol) is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately, but like all medicines, it may cause some side effects in certain individuals.

• Common Side Effects:
  • Nausea
  • Rash or mild skin reactions
  • Headache
• Rare but Serious Side Effects:
  • Hepatotoxicity (especially with overdose or long-term use)
  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
  • Neutropenia or agranulocytosis (low white blood cell count)
  • Severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema
• Skin Reactions: In rare cases, Paracetamol can cause serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Seek medical attention immediately if signs of liver damage (e.g., yellowing of skin/eyes, dark urine, upper abdominal pain) or allergic reaction occur.

ADOL 500mg Contraindications ADOL 500mg

ADOL 500mg should not be used in certain situations due to the risk of serious adverse effects.

• Hypersensitivity: Known allergy or hypersensitivity to Paracetamol or any of the excipients in the tablet.
• Severe Liver Impairment: Risk of hepatotoxicity increases dramatically; contraindicated in acute or chronic hepatic failure.
• Severe Active Hepatic Disease: Patients with active liver disease (e.g., hepatitis) should avoid Paracetamol unless under strict medical supervision.
• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency (G6PD): Use with caution due to potential oxidative stress and hemolysis risk.
• Chronic Alcoholism: Increases the risk of liver toxicity even at therapeutic doses of Paracetamol.

Patients with renal impairment or those on long-term Paracetamol therapy should also be assessed regularly for renal and hepatic function.

Storage of ADOL 500mg

Proper storage of ADOL 500mg tablets is essential to maintain the efficacy and stability of the medication.

• Storage Temperature: Store below 25°C (77°F). Avoid excessive heat and direct sunlight.
• Humidity: Keep in a dry place. Protect from moisture. Avoid storing in bathrooms.
• Original Packaging: Keep tablets in their original blister pack to protect from air and humidity.
• Keep Out of Reach: Store the medicine out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Disposal: Do not dispose of via wastewater or household waste. Ask a pharmacist how to properly discard expired or unused medication.

Check the expiry date before use. Do not consume if the packaging is damaged or the tablet appears discolored or degraded.