Paracetamol for children (Calpol)

Paracetamol is used for many conditions that can affect children, such as aches and pains, sore throat and high temperature.

Paracetamol for children usually comes as liquid, tablets or capsules in different strengths. Follow the instructions that come with the medicine.

Paracetamol does not usually cause side effects. But rarely it may cause serious problems such as liver damage.

Most children over 3 months old can take paracetamol, but always check before giving it to your child because it's not suitable for everyone.

Taking paracetamol with some other medicines, such as some medicines that stop you being sick, can cause problems. Always check before using it.

Paracetamol can help with lots of types of pain that can affect children, such as:

• aches and pains
• teething pain
• earache
• sore throat
• pain from a cold and flu

Paracetamol can also help if your child is distressed or uncomfortable because they have a high temperature (fever).

There are several types of paracetamol for children, including:

• liquid (also called oral suspension)
• tablets and capsules
• suppositories (long, narrow tablets you put into your child's bottom)

How you give it and how much to give depends on the type of paracetamol, your child's age and sometimes their weight.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist, doctor or nurse at your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure how to use it or your child has problems taking it.

How to give common types of paracetamol for children

Do not give this medicine to your child for more than 3 days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.

If your child has had an extra dose of paracetamol, it's important to get medical advice because it can sometimes be dangerous.

• you've given your child more paracetamol than it says on the packet, leaflet or prescription

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online . Call 111 for a child under 5 years old.

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the paracetamol packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines your child takes.

Children do not usually get any side effects after taking paracetamol.

Serious side effects

Rarely, paracetamol can cause serious side effects.

Serious side effects in children can include:

• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised and itchy rash, and difficulty breathing
• a problem with their liver – causing symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea) and their skin or white part of their eyes turning yellow (jaundice), but this may be harder to notice on black or brown skin
• a problem with their blood cells – causing symptoms such as bruising easily and nosebleeds

• you've given your child paracetamol and think they might be having serious side effects

Most children over 2 months old can take paracetamol.

But paracetamol is not suitable for all children. For example, it may not be suitable if your child:

• has had an allergic reaction to paracetamol before
• has a kidney or liver condition

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to see if it's suitable for your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure they should take it.

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with paracetamol.

This includes:

• other medicine containing paracetamol, such as cold and flu medicine
• medicines that stop you being sick, including metoclopramide and domperidone
• the antibiotic flucloxacillin

Check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it's suitable for your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure if they can take it.

Giving paracetamol with ibuprofen

If you've been giving your child paracetamol but it's not helping their symptoms, you can try giving them ibuprofen for children instead if it's suitable for your child.

Do not give ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time. But you can alternate between them if a health professional such as a doctor or nurse tells you to.

If a health professional advises you to do this, it can help to write down when you gave each medicine to make sure the doses are spaced evenly and to avoid giving too much.

Ibuprofen can be given 3 to 4 times in 24 hours, depending on your child's age and dose. Check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine.

Food and drink with paracetamol

Your child can eat and drink normally when taking paracetamol