Paracetamol 500 mg: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Fever from colds, flu and other viral infections; Headache and migraine.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.66 to ₹0.98 per tablet across 6 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / tablet | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol Tablets IP 500 mgJan Aushadhi | Jan Aushadhi (PMBJP) | 10 | ₹6.57 | ₹0.66 | 19 October 2026 |
| Calpol 500 | Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 15 | ₹14.35 | ₹0.96 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dolo 500 | Micro Labs Ltd | 15 | ₹14.58 | ₹0.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Paracip 500 | Cipla Ltd | 10 | ₹9.65 | ₹0.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Metacin 500 | Themis Pharmaceuticals Prop Chemosyn Ltd | 15 | ₹14.49 | ₹0.97 | 19 October 2026 |
| Crocin Advance 500 | GlaxoSmithKline India Pvt. Ltd. | 20 | ₹19.53 | ₹0.98 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Fever from colds, flu and other viral infections.
- Headache and migraine.
- Body ache, backache and muscle pain.
- Toothache.
- Period pain.
- Mild pain after injuries or minor surgery.
How to take it
Take 1 or 2 tablets (500 to 1,000 mg) with water every 4 to 6 hours as needed, with or without food. Do not take more than 8 tablets (4,000 mg) in 24 hours; if you are small, elderly, underweight or have liver problems, your doctor may set a lower limit. Do not use for more than 3 days for fever or 10 days for pain without seeing a doctor.
Side effects
Common
- Side effects are rare at normal doses.
- Mild nausea or stomach upset in some people.
- Rarely, a skin rash or itching.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Liver damage if you take more than the maximum daily dose, or if you take it with heavy alcohol use – symptoms include yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pain in the upper right belly.
- Severe allergic reaction – swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing. Go to an emergency room.
- Very rarely, serious skin reactions with blistering or peeling skin. Stop and see a doctor immediately.
Safety information
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol while you are taking paracetamol. Regular heavy drinking plus paracetamol raises the risk of liver damage.
Pregnancy
Paracetamol is generally considered the preferred pain and fever medicine in pregnancy and while breastfeeding, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. Still tell your doctor before using it.
Kidney problems
Usually safe at normal doses if your kidneys are weak, but tell your doctor; they may ask you to take it less often.
Liver problems
Be careful. If you have liver disease or drink heavily, ask a doctor before use – the safe daily dose may be lower for you.
Children
Children over 6 years can sometimes be given paracetamol 500 mg in a half or whole tablet, but the dose depends on weight. For younger children use syrup or drops and ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Missed dose
Paracetamol is normally taken only when needed. If you are on a schedule and miss a dose, take it when you remember, but keep at least 4 hours between doses and never double up.
Interactions
- Other medicines that also contain paracetamol (cold and flu combinations, Zerodol P, Combiflam type tablets) – you can accidentally exceed the daily limit.
- Warfarin – regular daily paracetamol over several days can increase bleeding risk; your INR may need checking.
- Epilepsy medicines such as carbamazepine or phenytoin – may raise the risk of liver harm with paracetamol.
- Isoniazid (TB medicine) – may increase the risk of liver side effects.
- Metoclopramide or domperidone – can speed up how fast paracetamol is absorbed, but this is rarely a problem.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take 2 Crocin 500 tablets at once?
Yes, adults can take 1 or 2 tablets (up to 1,000 mg) in one dose, then wait at least 4 hours before the next dose, and not exceed 8 tablets in 24 hours.
Can I take Calpol 500 on an empty stomach?
Yes. Paracetamol is gentle on the stomach and can be taken with or without food.
Can I take Crocin 500 with alcohol?
Avoid it. Both are processed by the liver and regular drinking plus paracetamol can damage the liver. Never exceed the daily limit if you drink.
Crocin 500 vs Dolo 650 – which should I take for fever?
Both are paracetamol. 500 mg is enough for most adults; 650 mg is a slightly higher single dose some doctors prefer for high fever. Pick one and stay within its daily limit. Do not take both.
Is paracetamol 500 safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
It is the usual first-choice fever and pain medicine in pregnancy and breastfeeding, at the lowest dose for the shortest time. Confirm with your doctor.
Does Crocin 500 need a prescription?
No. Paracetamol 500 mg tablets are sold over the counter in India. See a doctor if fever lasts more than 3 days or you have warning signs like rash, stiff neck or breathlessness.
How quickly does paracetamol 500 work?
It usually starts reducing fever and pain within 30 to 60 minutes and the effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours.
What is the difference between Crocin 500 and Crocin Advance?
Crocin Advance is also paracetamol 500 mg; the maker claims a faster-dissolving formulation. The daily limit and precautions are the same.
Sources
- NHS – Paracetamol for adults (19 October 2026)
- MedlinePlus – Acetaminophen (paracetamol) (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms