Adol is a widely used medication designed to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever. It contains paracetamol as its active ingredient, which works by elevating the pain threshold centrally and inhibiting prostaglandin biosynthesis both centrally and peripherally. This blog post provides detailed information about Adol, including its composition, uses, dosage instructions, potential side effects, and important precautions.
Composition of Adol
Caplets
Each caplet of Adol contains:
- Active Ingredient: Paracetamol 500 mg.
- Excipients: Maize starch, povidone, aerosil, gelatin, glycerol, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, sodium starch glycolate, and cellulose powder.
Tablets
Each tablet of Adol contains:
- Active Ingredient: Paracetamol 500 mg.
- Excipients: Maize starch, povidone, aerosil, potassium sorbate, gelatin powder, glycerol, talc (purified), and magnesium stearate.
Suppositories
Each suppository of Adol contains:
- Active Ingredient: Paracetamol 125 mg, 250 mg, or 500 mg.
- Excipients: Semi-synthetic glycerides of saturated fatty acids from C8-C18 [fatty acids derived from plant oils that help in the formulation of suppositories].
Syrup
Each teaspoonful (5 mL) of Adol syrup contains:
- Active Ingredient: Paracetamol 120 mg.
- Excipients: Propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, sucrose, saccharin sodium, povidone, vanillin, raspberry oil, raspberry red color, and purified water.
Suspension
- Suspension 120 mg/5 mL: Each teaspoonful or sachet (5 mL) contains:
- Active Ingredient: Paracetamol 120 mg.
- Excipients: Sucrose, glycerol, xanthan gum, sorbitol, methyl and propyl paraben, carmoisine (a red food coloring agent), and purified water.
- Suspension 250 mg/5 mL: Each teaspoonful or sachet (5 mL) contains:
- Active Ingredient: Paracetamol 250 mg.
- Excipients: Sucrose, glycerol, xanthan gum, sorbitol, methyl and propyl paraben, FD&C Yellow No. 6 (Sunset Yellow, a yellow food dye), orange and strawberry flavors, and purified water.
Indications for Adol
Adol is used to alleviate various types of mild to moderate pain, such as:
- Headache
- Migraine
- Backache
- Rheumatic aches
- Period pain
- Toothache
- Pain following dental procedures
- Teething pain
It also helps relieve discomfort associated with colds, flu, and sore throat. Additionally, Adol effectively reduces fever caused by infections, especially during colds or flu. It can also be used to manage post-vaccination fever.
Adol is particularly recommended for patients who cannot use NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or salicylates like aspirin due to contraindications. These include individuals with asthma [a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways], a history of peptic ulcers [sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine], children, and the elderly.
Warnings and Precautions
Important Safety Information
- Do not exceed the recommended dose. Taking more than 2 tablets, caplets, or suppositories at one time or more than 8 doses in 24 hours may lead to serious health risks.
- Avoid using Adol alongside any other product containing paracetamol.
- Consult your doctor if symptoms persist after using Adol.
- Exercise caution if you have liver or kidney problems or are an alcoholic [chronic excessive consumption of alcohol]. Chronic hepatic necrosis [severe liver damage] has been reported in patients who took therapeutic doses of paracetamol over prolonged periods.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Paracetamol is considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when taken within the recommended dosage. However, always consult your healthcare provider before taking any medication during these periods.
Dosage and Administration
Dosage Guidelines
The appropriate dosage of Adol depends on age and the form of the medication:
| Age Group | Caplets/Tablets | Suppositories | Suspension Syrup | Tablets 500 mg | Suppositories 125 mg/250 mg/500 mg | Syrup 120 mg/5 mL | Suspension 250 mg/5 mL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adults (>12 years) | 1-2 | 1-2 | 10-20 mL | 1-2 | 1-2 | 10-20 mL | N/A |
| Children (6-12 years) | 1-1.5 | 1 | 5-10 mL | N/A | 1 | 5-10 mL | N/A |
| Children (1-5 years) | N/A | 1-2 | 5-10 mL | N/A | 1 | 2.5-5 mL | 2.5-5 mL |
| Infants (3 months-1 year) | N/A | N/A | 2.5-5 mL | N/A | N/A | 2.5-5 mL | 2.5-5 mL |
For infants under 3 months, the recommended dose is 10 mg/kg body weight or 5 mg/kg body weight if jaundiced [yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels]. Adol Drops are available for this age group.
Post-Vaccination Fever
For infants aged 2-3 months experiencing post-vaccination fever, administer a single dose of 60 mg (2.5 mL of syrup or suspension 120 mg/5 mL). A second dose may be given 4-6 hours later if necessary. Seek medical advice if the fever persists.
Side Effects
Potential Undesirable Effects
When taken within the recommended dosage, Adol is generally well-tolerated. However, rare cases of skin rash [redness or irritation of the skin] and blood disorders [abnormalities in blood cell counts or function] have been reported.
Overdose Management
Ingesting massive overdoses of paracetamol (exceeding 10 g for adults or 150 mg/kg body weight for children) should be avoided, as it may cause liver damage. Symptoms of overdose include diarrhea, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps or pain, increased sweating, and tenderness or swelling in the upper abdominal area [the region just below the ribs]. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Treatment may involve administering activated charcoal, N-acetylcysteine, or methionine, along with supportive care to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
Drug Interactions
Interactions to Be Aware Of
- Concurrent use of cholestyramine [a medication used to lower cholesterol] with paracetamol may reduce its absorption.
- Metoclopramide [a drug used to treat nausea and vomiting] appears to enhance paracetamol’s effects by accelerating its absorption.
- Long-term use of paracetamol may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin [a blood thinner] when taken together.
Available Packs of Adol
Product Packaging Options
- Adol Caplets: Pack of 24, 48, or 96 caplets.
- Adol Tablets: Pack of 20, 50, or 100 tablets; hospital pack of 1,000 tablets.
- Adol Suppositories: Pack of 10 suppositories; hospital pack of 100 suppositories.
- Adol Syrup: Bottle containing 60 mL or 100 mL.
- Adol Suspension 120 mg/5 mL: Bottle containing 100 mL; pack of 20 sachets of 5 mL each.
- Adol Suspension 250 mg/5 mL: Bottle containing 100 mL or 135 mL; pack of 20 sachets of 5 mL each.
Store Adol products at a temperature of 15-30°C. Keep suppositories below 30°C and protect them from heat.
Latest Information About Adol
As of 16/05/2005, Adol remains a trusted choice for pain relief and fever reduction. Always follow the prescribing physician’s guidance and adhere strictly to the instructions provided by your pharmacist.
Conclusion
Adol is a versatile and effective medication for managing mild to moderate pain and reducing fever. By understanding its composition, indications, dosage guidelines, and potential side effects, you can use it safely and effectively. Remember to consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and never hesitate to seek professional guidance if you have questions or concerns.
For further inquiries, call the toll-free number (971) 800-4994 or contact Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, Ras Al Khaimah, U.A.E.
Dr. Ahmad Baker, PharmD
Senior Pharmacist & Health Educator
With over 23 years of clinical experience in hospital and community pharmacy across Egypt and Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ahmad specializes in reproductive health and pharmaceutical safety. He is dedicated to providing evidence-based guidance to empower patients in the MENA region.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes and reflects the latest pharmaceutical protocols. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice. Always consult Dr. Ahmad Baker or your healthcare provider before starting any treatment.

