ADOL 500mg Tablets (Caplets)

What is ADOL 500mg

ADOL 500 mg caplets are an over-the-counter analgesic and antipyretic containing 500 mg of paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) per tablet. Each commercial pack holds 48 caplets arranged as four PVC/Alu blisters, each blister containing 12 scored tablets for easy dose adjustment. Paracetamol has been a mainstay in pain and fever management for more than half a century and is recommended by the World Health Organization as first-line therapy for mild to moderate nociceptive pain and for the reduction of febrile states in both adults and children. ADOL’s formulation is film-coated to facilitate swallowing, mask the characteristic bitter taste of raw paracetamol powder, and minimize gastric irritation.

• Pharmacologic class: Non-opioid analgesic and antipyretic.
• Primary indications: Headache, dental pain, dysmenorrhea, musculoskeletal pain (strains, sprains, osteoarthritis), post-vaccination pyrexia, and the symptomatic relief of common cold or influenza-related fever.
• Onset and duration: Oral paracetamol reaches peak plasma levels within 30–60 minutes and provides 4–6 hours of analgesia and antipyresis.
• Mechanistic highlights: Central inhibition of prostaglandin H2 synthesis via COX-2 modulation, with negligible peripheral cyclooxygenase inhibition—hence its gastric safety compared with NSAIDs.
• Regulatory status: Schedule OTC in most regions; prescription not required when sold in packs ≤500 mg/tablet and ≤10 g total pack content.
• Safety profile: Favorable when used at recommended doses; hepatotoxicity is the principal risk in overdose or chronic supra-therapeutic use.
• Unique selling point: ADOL caplets employ micro-crystalline cellulose for fast disintegration, yielding a quicker onset than many generic compressed tablets.

How to use ADOL 500mg

Correct administration optimizes efficacy while safeguarding against hepatotoxicity. Patients should read the enclosed leaflet and adhere to national dosing limits. When multiple paracetamol-containing preparations are available (e.g., cold remedies, combination opioid tablets), cumulative daily intake must be calculated carefully.

• Adults & adolescents ≥12 years: 1–2 caplets (500–1 000 mg) every 4–6 h as needed; do not exceed 4 000 mg (8 caplets) in 24 h.
• Children 6–11 years: 250–500 mg every 4–6 h (½–1 caplet if they can safely swallow tablets); maximum 60 mg/kg/day divided into ≥4 doses.
• Renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min): Extend dosing interval to 6–8 h; maintain total daily dose ≤2 000 mg.
• Hepatic impairment, chronic alcoholism, malnutrition, or low body weight (<50 kg): Limit to 2 000–3 000 mg/24 h under medical supervision.
• Administration tips:
  • Swallow whole with a full glass of water; may be taken with or without food.
  • Avoid alcohol (≥3 drinks/day) to reduce additive hepatotoxic risk.
  • Keep a written log of timing and quantity if multiple caregivers are involved (e.g., pediatric or geriatric settings).
• Missed dose: Take as soon as remembered if needed for symptoms, but never double the next scheduled dose.
• Accidental overdose protocol: Seek emergency care within 1 h; N-acetylcysteine is most effective when given within 8 h of ingestion.

Mode of Action ADOL 500mg

While historically attributed to non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibition, modern insights reveal a more nuanced, primarily central mechanism for paracetamol. The molecule is highly lipophilic, readily crossing the blood-brain barrier, where it exerts analgesic and antipyretic actions without significant peripheral anti-inflammatory activity.

• COX-2 modulation: In the CNS, paracetamol inhibits the peroxidase function of the prostaglandin H2 synthase enzyme complex, curtailing PGE₂ production responsible for pain perception and hypothalamic temperature set-point elevation.
• Serotonergic pathway enhancement: Evidence shows paracetamol increases descending serotonergic inhibitory signaling in the spinal cord, dampening nociceptive transmission.
• Endocannabinoid potentiation: Hepatic conjugation yields p-aminophenol, subsequently converted in the brain to AM404, an anandamide re-uptake inhibitor that engages CB₁ receptors, further contributing to analgesia.
• Transient receptor potential (TRPV1) activation: AM404 weak agonism desensitizes TRPV1 channels implicated in hyperalgesia.
• Minimal peripheral action: Because reduced peroxide tone in the CNS favors paracetamol’s peroxidase inhibition, peripheral inflammatory sites (with high peroxide tone) are relatively unaffected—explaining the absence of antiplatelet and gastrointestinal toxicity.
• No direct COX-1 blockade: Unlike NSAIDs, platelet aggregation and renal prostaglandins remain largely intact, maintaining hemostasis and renal blood flow under normovolemic states.
• Clinical takeaway: Paracetamol provides central analgesia equivalent to 650–1 000 mg of aspirin for many indications, with superior gastric and vascular safety but lacks anti-inflammatory potency.

ADOL 500mg Interactions ADOL 500mg

Paracetamol is metabolized predominantly by hepatic glucuronidation and sulfation, with a minor cytochrome P450 2E1 pathway yielding the hepatotoxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Interactions that up-regulate CYP2E1 or deplete glutathione reserves can shift the balance toward toxicity. The following list highlights drugs of practical concern; not all are absolute contraindications, but awareness facilitates safer co-prescription.

• Alcohol (ethanol): Chronic intake induces CYP2E1, while acute binge consumption competes with NAPQI detoxification; both raise hepatotoxic risk.
• Enzyme inducers: Carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, isoniazid, rifampicin, and St John’s wort accelerate NAPQI formation; monitor LFTs and limit paracetamol to ≤3 000 mg/day.
• Warfarin & other vitamin K antagonists: Regular paracetamol ≥2 g/day for >3 days may raise INR; intensify INR monitoring upon initiation or cessation.
• Probenecid: Inhibits paracetamol glucuronidation, doubling half-life; halve paracetamol dose if prolonged therapy is required.
• Cholestyramine: Binds drug in the gut, reducing absorption; take paracetamol ≥1 h before or ≥4 h after bile-acid sequestrants.
• Lamotrigine: Paracetamol may increase lamotrigine clearance via glucuronidation; monitor seizure control and adjust lamotrigine dose accordingly.
• Antiretrovirals (e.g., zidovudine): Concurrent use may accentuate neutropenia and hepatotoxicity; use with caution.
• Herbal preparations: Large doses of comfrey, kava, or valerian may potentiate hepatotoxic risk.

Dosage of ADOL 500mg

Individualized dosing balances therapeutic benefit against hepatic safety. Because paracetamol is widely incorporated in combination products, total daily intake from all sources must not exceed established limits.

• Standard adult regimen: 500–1 000 mg orally every 4–6 h as needed, maximum 4 000 mg/24 h (8 caplets). Rapid-release coating of ADOL delivers comparable peak plasma concentrations to effervescent forms.
• Elderly (≥65 years): Same dose range, but comorbid hepatic or renal insufficiency warrants max 3 000 mg/24 h.
• Pediatrics:
  • 10–15 mg/kg/dose every 4–6 h; maximum 60 mg/kg/day or 4 000 mg, whichever is lower.
  • Tablets suitable only when child can reliably swallow solid dosage forms; otherwise use oral suspension (120 mg/5 mL or 250 mg/5 mL).
• Hepatic impairment: Limit to 2 000 mg/day; extend interval to 6–8 h.
• Renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min): 500 mg every 6 h, maximum 2 000 mg/day.
• Post-operative analgesia: Fixed interval dosing (e.g., 1 g every 6 h) provides superior pain control versus prn; transition to prn as pain subsides.
• Febrile neutropenia: Avoid paracetamol unless sepsis work-up complete, as it can mask fever.
• Monitoring: Advise patients to record the timing of each dose, especially when alternating with NSAIDs or opioids.

Possible side effects of ADOL 500mg

Paracetamol is well tolerated; serious adverse reactions are uncommon at therapeutic doses, yet vigilance is justified due to its widespread use and narrow margin in chronic high-dose scenarios.

• Common (>1 %):
  • Gastrointestinal upset (nausea, dyspepsia) — typically mild and transient.
  • Lightheadedness or drowsiness in sensitive individuals.
• Uncommon (0.1–1 %):
  • Rash or pruritus (maculopapular or urticarial) indicating hypersensitivity.
  • Elevation of hepatic transaminases without clinical hepatitis.
• Rare (<0.1 %):
  • Thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, or neutropenia (immune-mediated).
  • Bronchospasm in aspirin-sensitive asthma (cross-reactivity).
  • Acute kidney injury secondary to papillary necrosis (usually with long-term high doses and NSAID co-use).
• Very rare (<0.01 %):
  • Toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens–Johnson syndrome, or acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis.
  • Fulminant hepatic failure requiring transplantation (overdose or chronic >4 g/day use).
• Overdose presentation: Asymptomatic phase (0–24 h) → right-upper-quadrant pain and transaminase elevation (24–72 h) → hepatic failure, coagulopathy (72–96 h).
• Patient guidance: Discontinue and seek medical care if rash, persistent nausea, unexplained bruising, or jaundice emerges.

ADOL 500mg Contraindications ADOL 500mg

Absolute and relative contraindications are few but critical. Careful screening avoids preventable hepatotoxicity and hypersensitivity reactions.

• Known hypersensitivity: Documented allergy to paracetamol or any excipient (pregelatinized starch, povidone, stearic acid) precludes use.
• Severe hepatic impairment: Child-Pugh C cirrhosis or acute active hepatitis — risk of precipitating liver failure outweighs benefit.
• Severe malnutrition or chronic alcoholism: Glutathione depletion amplifies NAPQI toxicity; use an alternative analgesic or specialist-supervised minimal dosing.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency: High doses may precipitate hemolysis (rare case reports); monitor if unavoidable.
• Phenylketonuria (PKU): Sugar-free oral suspensions may contain aspartame; caplets are phenylalanine-free, but check brand formulation.
• Repeated high-dose use in febrile neutropenia or undiagnosed abdominal pain: May obscure diagnostic signs; defer until assessment complete.
• Infants <3 months: Use weight-based liquid formulations only under medical advice; caplets inappropriate.
• Concurrent use of ≥2 paracetamol products: Considered a functional contraindication due to overdose risk.

Storage of ADOL 500mg

Proper storage maintains potency and reduces accidental pediatric poisoning. Paracetamol is chemically stable under ordinary conditions but degrades in excessive heat and humidity.

• Temperature: Store at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F). Protect from temperatures >40 °C (e.g., parked car dashboards) to prevent tablet discoloration and potency loss.
• Humidity: Keep in original foil-OPA/Alu blisters until use. High ambient moisture accelerates hydrolysis to p-aminophenol, a weakly toxic impurity.
• Light: Photostability is high, yet blister packaging shields tablets from UV-mediated oxidative pathways; avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
• Container: Once a blister is opened, transfer unused caplets to a child-resistant, labeled pill organizer if needed and consume within 60 days.
• Child safety: Store above average child reach (>1.5 m) or in a locked cabinet. Paracetamol ingestion is the leading cause of pharmaceutical poisoning in many regions.
• Travel advice: Keep in hand luggage; extreme baggage-hold temperatures can exceed recommended limits. Carry a copy of the package leaflet for customs inspection.
• Disposal: Expired or unneeded tablets should be returned to pharmacy take-back programs or mixed with undesirable household waste (coffee grounds) before discarding to deter misuse.
• Shelf-life: 36 months from manufacture when stored under ICH Zone IVB conditions (30 °C/75 % RH), as per manufacturer’s label.