Description:

Gebedol Plus Capsules is a combination analgesic medication containing paracetamol, diclofenac sodium, and caffeine. It is used for the relief of moderate to severe pain, inflammation, and associated symptoms such as headache, toothache, menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea), muscle/joint pain, backache, fever, and general body pain. The addition of caffeine enhances the analgesic effect of paracetamol and diclofenac and helps counteract fatigue or drowsiness. In Ghana (Accra), it is a very common, affordable over-the-counter/prescription pain reliever sold in pharmacies for short-term symptomatic relief.

Prescription: Over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term adult use. No prescription required for limited use; freely available in pharmacies. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if pain persists beyond 3–5 days, is severe/recurrent, or for use in children under 12, pregnant/breastfeeding women, or those with stomach ulcers, kidney/liver issues, or on other medications (due to NSAID risks).

Therapeutic Category:

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) + Analgesic + Caffeine Combination (Pain and inflammation relief with analgesic potentiation or similar for paracetamol combos with NSAID/caffeine).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each capsule typically contains:

• Diclofenac sodium – 50 mg (NSAID; anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic).
• Paracetamol (acetaminophen) – 500 mg (analgesic and antipyretic).
• Caffeine – 30 mg or 50 mg (central nervous system stimulant; enhances pain relief and reduces fatigue). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, and capsule shell (gelatin). Capsules are hard gelatin, usually light blue/green or white, imprinted with brand or strength.

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Gebedol Plus Capsules (standard combination: diclofenac 50mg + paracetamol 500mg + caffeine 30–50mg). Related variants: Gebedol (paracetamol only or different combos), Gebedol Forte (higher diclofenac or different ratio), smaller packs (e.g., 10 capsules), or Gebedol syrup (liquid form for children). The standard capsule is the most common form.

Consume Type:

Oral – Capsule (swallow whole with water; take with or after food to reduce stomach irritation).

Directions/Usage: Adults and children over 12 years: Typically 1 capsule every 6–8 hours as needed (maximum 3 capsules per day).

• Take with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal irritation.
• Duration: Short-term (3–5 days maximum without medical advice).
• Do not exceed the recommended dose (risk of liver damage from paracetamol or gastrointestinal bleeding from diclofenac).
• Not recommended for children under 12 years without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Gastrointestinal: Nausea, indigestion, heartburn, stomach pain (from diclofenac).
• Central: Dizziness, headache, restlessness (from caffeine).
• Skin: Rash, mild allergic reactions. Rare/serious (seek help): Stomach ulcers/bleeding (black stools, vomiting blood), severe allergic reactions, liver damage (jaundice, dark urine), or kidney issues (reduced urine output).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 capsules per strip, packs of 1×10, 2×10 = 20, or 3×10 = 30 capsules; foil blisters in carton or simple box with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Increased risk of gastrointestinal bleeding/ulcers (especially elderly or with ulcer history) – take with food or antacids if needed.
• Contraindicated if allergic to diclofenac/paracetamol/caffeine/NSAIDs, active peptic ulcer, severe liver/kidney/heart failure, or late pregnancy (fetal risk).
• Caution in hypertension, asthma (NSAID-exacerbated), bleeding disorders, or on anticoagulants.
• Avoid alcohol (increases GI risk).
• Inform doctor if pregnant/planning, breastfeeding, or on other medications.
• If black stools, vomiting blood, severe headache, swelling, or confusion occurs, seek immediate help.
• Do not exceed dose or use longer than 5 days without medical advice.

Product Substitutes: Similar diclofenac + paracetamol + caffeine capsules in Ghana include:

• Gebedol Forte (similar combination by Entrance or other brands).
• Generic diclofenac/paracetamol/caffeine capsules (various importers).
• Alternatives: Panadol Extra (paracetamol + caffeine), APC tablets (aspirin + paracetamol + caffeine), plain diclofenac, or ibuprofen. Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy) for availability.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Entrance Pharmaceuticals & Research Centre (Ghana-based; produces Gebedol Plus as part of its analgesic range). Marketed/distributed locally in Ghana by Entrance (Accra-based) and pharmacies.

Country of Origin:

Ghana (manufactured locally by Entrance Pharmaceuticals; widely stocked in Accra pharmacies as a local product).