What is Dolfin tablets used for? A guide to its varying formulations

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

With several different pharmaceutical products marketed under similar names, the precise medical uses of Dolfin tablets can vary significantly depending on the active ingredients. The most common uses range from treating mild to moderate pain, such as headaches and menstrual cramps, to reducing inflammation in conditions like arthritis. This makes it essential to check the specific product's composition before use.

Quick Summary

Dolfin tablets refer to multiple products with differing active ingredients like paracetamol plus caffeine, diclofenac, or mefenamic acid. Common uses include relieving mild to moderate pain from headaches, migraines, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and inflammatory conditions. The correct application depends on the specific formulation.

Key Points

Multiple Formulations: The name "Dolfin" is used for different products with varying active ingredients, including combinations of paracetamol and caffeine, or diclofenac and paracetamol, and mefenamic acid.
For Pain and Fever (Paracetamol + Caffeine): One common formulation is primarily used for mild to moderate pain such as headaches, migraines, toothaches, menstrual cramps, and fever.
For Inflammatory Pain (Diclofenac + Paracetamol): Another version, often called Dolofin Plus, targets pain and inflammation from conditions like arthritis and back pain.
For Dysmenorrhea (Mefenamic Acid): The Dolfenal brand, which contains mefenamic acid, is often prescribed for menstrual cramps and other mild to moderate pain.
Risk of Liver Damage: Paracetamol, a component in many Dolfin products, can cause liver damage if taken in excessive amounts. Alcohol consumption increases this risk.
Consult a Doctor: Due to the different formulations and potential risks, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before taking Dolfin tablets to ensure it is the right medication for your condition and to understand the correct dosage.

Dolfin tablets with Paracetamol and Caffeine

One of the most widely available formulations is a combination of paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) and caffeine. This version is a dual-action pain reliever primarily used for:

Headache and migraine: Caffeine works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain, while paracetamol blocks pain-signaling messengers, offering effective relief.
Fever reduction: Paracetamol is a well-known antipyretic, meaning it can help lower a high body temperature.
General pain relief: It is also used to alleviate mild to moderate pain from backaches, toothaches, rheumatic and muscle pain, and menstrual cramps.
Cold and flu symptoms: The combination can help relieve discomfort associated with common colds, influenza, and sore throats.

Common Side Effects: Some individuals may experience side effects related to the caffeine content, such as insomnia, nervousness, irritation, and restlessness.

Dolfin Plus tablets with Diclofenac and Paracetamol

Another formulation, often branded as "Dolofin Plus," combines paracetamol with diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This version provides stronger relief from pain and inflammation and is used for:

Inflammatory pain: It is effective in reducing pain and swelling associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.
Musculoskeletal pain: It also targets muscle pain, back pain, and pain in the joints.
Ear, throat, and toothache relief: The anti-inflammatory action helps relieve pain caused by inflammation in these areas.

Common Side Effects and Precautions: This formulation carries a higher risk of gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Due to the diclofenac, it is typically taken with food to prevent an upset stomach. Long-term use can pose risks to the kidneys and heart.

Dolfenal tablets with Mefenamic Acid

In some regions, tablets with the brand name "Dolfenal" contain mefenamic acid, another type of NSAID. Mefenamic acid works by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis to reduce pain and inflammation. Its uses include:

Menstrual cramps and pain: Mefenamic acid is a key treatment for primary dysmenorrhea and heavy menstrual periods (menorrhagia).
Dental pain: It is used for pain relief following dental procedures.
Post-operative pain: It can help manage pain after surgery and childbirth.
Mild to moderate pain: It is effective for other types of mild to moderate pain, including headaches and musculoskeletal disorders.

Common Side Effects and Precautions: Mefenamic acid can cause diarrhea, gastrointestinal bleeding, and other stomach problems. It should be used with caution in patients with kidney or liver disease.

Comparison of Different Dolfin Formulations


Feature	Dolfin (Paracetamol + Caffeine)	Dolofin Plus (Diclofenac + Paracetamol)	Dolfenal (Mefenamic Acid)
Active Ingredients	Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) & Caffeine	Diclofenac & Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)	Mefenamic Acid
Drug Class	Analgesic & CNS Stimulant	NSAID & Analgesic	NSAID
Primary Uses	Headache, migraine, fever, mild to moderate pain	Inflammatory pain, arthritis, back pain, toothache	Menstrual pain, headache, dental pain, inflammatory conditions
Key Precautions	Avoid exceeding daily limit, potential liver damage, limit caffeine intake	Take with food, caution with heart/kidney/liver issues, GI bleeding risk	Avoid with GI problems, caution with liver/kidney issues, risk of diarrhea
Common Side Effects	Insomnia, nervousness, irritation	Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain	Diarrhea, headache, dizziness, abdominal pain

Important Precautions and Warnings

Regardless of the formulation, there are critical precautions to consider when taking any medication labeled as Dolfin. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting treatment.

Liver and Kidney Health: Overdoses of paracetamol, present in several formulations, can cause severe liver damage. NSAIDs like diclofenac and mefenamic acid can also damage the kidneys with long-term use. Patients with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions should be especially cautious.
Interaction with Alcohol: Consuming alcohol while taking Dolfin tablets, particularly those containing paracetamol or diclofenac, can significantly increase the risk of liver damage.
Medication Overuse Headaches: Using pain relievers for headaches too frequently (more than 2-3 days per week) can paradoxically lead to more frequent and severe headaches over time.
Allergic Reactions: Stop using the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: These tablets are generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, especially in the third trimester for NSAID-containing versions. Always consult a doctor first.
Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, as drug interactions can occur, especially with other pain relievers, antidepressants, or anticoagulants.

Conclusion

Dolfin tablets are used for various pain and inflammation-related conditions, but the exact application and associated risks depend entirely on the active ingredients. Because the name can refer to formulations containing paracetamol with caffeine, diclofenac with paracetamol, or mefenamic acid, it is crucial to verify the specific product's contents. For safe and effective treatment, always read the product label carefully and consult with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate medication and dosage for your specific needs.

For more detailed product information, you can consult reliable pharmaceutical databases like Drugs.com for specific products, such as Dolofin (tablet).

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference lies in their active ingredients. Standard Dolfin often contains a combination of paracetamol and caffeine, suitable for mild pain and headaches. Dolofin Plus, however, contains diclofenac and paracetamol, making it more effective for inflammatory conditions like arthritis.

You should not take Dolfin tablets for stomach pain without a doctor's advice. Formulations containing NSAIDs like diclofenac or mefenamic acid can irritate the stomach lining and potentially worsen underlying stomach conditions.

Yes, formulations containing paracetamol (acetaminophen) can cause serious liver damage if taken in excessive doses. This risk is further increased by consuming alcohol while on the medication.

It depends on the specific product. For formulations with paracetamol and caffeine, it is generally recommended to use it for no more than 2-3 days per week to avoid developing medication overuse headaches. Always follow your doctor's instructions or the package leaflet.

This is generally not recommended and poses risks to the developing baby or infant, especially during the third trimester for NSAID-containing versions. You should consult a doctor before taking any Dolfin product while pregnant or breastfeeding.

Some formulations, particularly those containing NSAIDs, can cause dizziness or drowsiness in some individuals. If this occurs, you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

If you suspect an overdose of any Dolfin product, seek immediate medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away, even if you feel fine. Overdose can lead to serious liver damage, with symptoms potentially appearing later.