Fever comes, and every uncle, aunty, and WhatsApp message has a quick fix—Dolo 650 here, Crocin there, or plain paracetamol from the shop. We all know that worry while checking the medicine box. Good news: all these are the same main drug—paracetamol. Use it right, and fever goes down safely.
What Normal Fever Looks Like
Fever is your body’s way to fight germs, like from a cold, teething, or vaccine. It is often 100–102°F with chills, body pain, or feeling tired. It is simple if you eat, drink, and stay awake. Worry more if it stays high for long or comes with rash or hard breathing.
Simple Ways to Fight Fever
Use paracetamol first—it works well for mild fever and pain. Here’s how:
- Right Dose: Adults – 500–650 mg every 4–6 hours, maximum 4 g a day. Good for strong fever.
- Drink Lots: More water, ORS, or nariyal pani helps cool you down—try 2–3 litres a day.
- Rest and Cool Cloth: Warm water sponge bath (not ice cold), light clothes—lowers fever by 1–2°F.
- For Kids or Elderly: Give by weight (10–15 mg per kg). Babies under 3 months or very weak should see a doctor first.
Extra Help: Ginger tea or light khichdi soothe the stomach and help recovery.
Common Indian Home Tips – Good or Bad
Our home fixes are fun, but pick safe ones:
- Giloy or Tulsi Water: Okay to drink if light—boil fresh, sip warm. Not a full cure.
- Onion Rub or Hing Smoke: Old stories, no real help—nice smell maybe, skip if it bothers.
- Aspirin for Dengue: Never! It can cause bleeding in dengue or viral fevers.
Ibuprofen Wrong Use: Works for swelling but can hurt the stomach. Start with paracetamol.
Funny Myths We Hear
Indian homes love these—let’s clear them up with a smile:
“Dolo 650 is super strong—take every day!”
No, all brands are the same paracetamol. Too much hurts the liver.
“Fever needs antibiotics—fast cure!”
Viruses don’t care; most fevers are viral. Save antibiotics for confirmed bacterial infections.
“Paracetamol is safe—eat with food!”
Yes, but only within limits (max 4 g/day). Extra doses are dangerous.
“Crocin for kids, Dolo for big people.”
Same drug—use by age and weight, not by name.
“Mix with alcohol for quick fix.”
Bad for the liver—avoid alcohol when taking paracetamol.
Safe Pills: Dolo vs Crocin vs Plain Paracetamol
All are 650 mg paracetamol tablets. Dolo and Crocin are big brands (costlier); plain paracetamol is cheaper but equally effective. No one is “best”—use what your doctor recommends.
Feature | Dolo 650 | Crocin 650 (Advance) | Plain Paracetamol 650 |
Main Drug | Paracetamol 650 mg | Paracetamol 650 mg (faster dissolving) | Paracetamol 650 mg |
Good For | Fever, headache, body ache | Same – claims quicker relief | Same everyday fever fix |
Adult Dose | 1 tablet every 4–6 hours, max 4/day | Same; not for kids < 12 yrs | Same – check expiry |
Price (10 pills) | ₹20–30 | ₹25–40 | ₹10–20 |
Warnings:
Don’t use for more than 3 days without medical advice.
Avoid if you have liver disease or consume alcohol.
Children need syrup based on weight—never break adult tablets for kids.
Mixing different paracetamol brands increases overdose risk.
Always ask your doctor first.
Faster Care Tip: Skip the pharmacy rush! Order your essentials medicines online — it’s fast, safe, and delivered right to your doorstep. A few clicks today can save you a last-minute pharmacy run tomorrow.
Signs to See a Doctor Fast
- Fever above 103°F for more than 3 days, or any fever in a baby under 3 months
- Neck stiffness, rash, vomiting, or confusion—possible serious infection
- Trouble breathing, chest pain, or no urine for 8 hours—dehydration or complications
- Fever lasting beyond 7 days or returning after improvement
Fever time brings aunty tips and phone videos—ignore them, drink water, take the right dose, and call your doctor when needed. Paracetamol is a smart, safe helper—not a weak one.
Rest well, avoid wrong combinations, and you’ll recover quickly.
Last medically reviewed on September 25, 2025 by Dr Tanvi Modi, MBBS, MD, DNB (Paediatrics)
Dr Tanvi Modi,
MBBS,
MD, DNB (Paediatrics)
