Paracetamol in babies
Paracetamol for children - HSE.ie
Paracetamol is a common painkiller for children.
It's available as tablets, syrup or suppositories (medicine that's pushed gently into a child's bottom).
Suppositories are useful to relieve pain and a high temperature in children who find it difficult to swallow tablets or syrup, or who are being sick a lot.
Brand names in Ireland for paracetamol include Panadol, Tipol, Calpol, Pangram and Paralief.
For teenagers aged 16 and over, read our information on paracetamol for adults.
Uses for paracetamol in children
Paracetamol is often given to children to treat:
- headaches
- stomach ache
- toothache
- earache
- cold symptoms
- a high temperature (fever)
Call your GP if your child's pain lasts for more than 3 days, or if they're teething and paracetamol is not helping with their pain.
Reduce risks of paracetamol
Do not give your child any other medicines that contain paracetamol. These include some cough and cold medicines, so check the ingredients carefully.
Paracetamol can be dangerous if your child takes too much. Be careful to keep it out of sight and reach of children.
Get emergency help
Your child might need emergency help if:
- you give too much paracetamol
- they have a serious allergic reaction
If you give too much
If you give your child 1 extra dose of paracetamol by mistake, wait at least 24 hours before giving them anymore.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or 112 or go to an emergency department (ED) if:
- your child takes 2 extra doses of paracetamol or more
Do this even if your child seems well.
There is a risk of delayed, and serious liver damage.
Bring the paracetamol packaging or leaflet plus any remaining medicine with you.
Serious allergic reaction
A serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to paracetamol is rare.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or 112 or take your child to an emergency department (ED) immediately if:
they show signs of a serious allergic reaction such as:
- a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
- wheezing
- tightness in their chest or throat
- trouble breathing or talking
- swelling to their mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat
Giving paracetamol to babies
Always talk to a GP or pharmacist before giving paracetamol to babies.
Very young and small babies
Do not give paracetamol to babies:
- younger than 2 months old, unless it is prescribed by a doctor
- that are very small and weigh less than between 4 and 7kg
How much paracetamol to give your baby
You can give your baby 1 dose of paracetamol syrup (or 1 suppository) if they are in pain or have a high temperature (including fever after having vaccinations).
The usual dose is 2.5ml of infant syrup (or a 60mg suppository). If using a syrup, always use the spoon or syringe provided.
Read the package leaflet and instructions carefully so that you give the correct amount of medicine to your baby. If you are unsure of the dosage, ask a GP or pharmacist.
Check with your GP if your baby was premature, or they're small for their age.
Your baby might need a lower dose.
You can give your baby 1 more dose of syrup 4 hours later, if they need it.
Call your GP or pharmacist if your baby still has a high temperature after the 2nd dose.
After the MenB vaccination
You should give your baby paracetamol as soon as possible after their meningitis B (MenB) vaccination. This will reduce the risk of your baby getting a high temperature.
You’ll usually give them 3 doses (this is more than the recommended 2 doses) because they have had their MenB vaccination.
The usual dose following the MenB vaccinations is:
- 1st dose as soon as possible after the vaccination
- 2nd dose 4 to 6 hours after the first dose
- 3rd dose 4 to 6 hours after the second dose
Giving children paracetamol
You can give your child paracetamol as:
- a liquid syrup – from the age of 2 months
- suppositories – from the age of 2 months
- tablets (including soluble tablets) – from the age of 6 years
- Calpol Fast Melts – from the age of 6 years
Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice if your child is small or big for their age, as a lower dose might be better.
Do not give your child more than 2 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours if they are aged 2 to 3 months, or more than 4 doses if aged 3 months to 6 years.
Syrup doses for children
Infant syrup: 120mg/5ml
Infant syrup (sometimes called "junior syrup") is for children under 6 years old. A 5ml dose contains 120mg of paracetamol.
Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
| Age | How much? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| Age 1 to 3 months | How much? 2. 5ml (60mg) | How often? Max 2 times in 24 hours |
| Age 3 to 6 months | How much? 2. 5ml (60mg) | How often? Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| Age 6 to 24 months | How much? 5ml (120mg) | How often? Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| Age 2 to 4 years | How much? 7. 5ml (180mg) | How often? Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| Age 4 to 6 years | How much? 10ml (240mg) | How often? Max 4 times in 24 hours |
Six plus syrup: 250mg/5ml
Six plus syrup is for children aged 6 years and older.
A 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol.
Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
| Age | How much? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| Age 6 to 8 years | How much? 5ml (250mg) | How often? Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| Age 8 to 10 years | How much? 7. 5ml (375mg) | How often? Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| Age 10 to 12 years | How much? 10ml (500mg) | How often? Max 4 times in 24 hours |
What to do if your child vomits
Do not give your child the same dose again if your child is sick (vomits) after having a dose of paracetamol tablets or syrup.
Wait until it's time for their next dose, or ask your GP or pharmacist for advice.
Ask your GP if paracetamol suppositories are an option if your child is finding it hard to keep tablets or syrup down.
You don't need to give your child another dose if your child is sick straight after having a suppository. The suppository will still work.
Giving paracetamol with other medicines
Children can take ibuprofen to help reduce pain, if needed.
Do not give your child paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time, unless a doctor, pharmacist or nurse advises it.
Ask your GP or pharmacist for advice on how to use these 2 medicines together if you are unsure.
Other medicines containing paracetamol
Paracetamol is an ingredient in lots of medicines that you can buy.
These include some cough and cold medicines, so check the ingredients carefully.
Warning
Do not give your child another medicine with paracetamol in it.
Finding your patient information leaflet online
Your patient information leaflet (PIL) is the leaflet that comes in the package of your medicine.
Information:
To find your PIL online, visit the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) website
- In the ‘Find a medicine’ search box, enter the brand name of your medicine. A list of matching medicines appears.
- To the right of your medicine, select ‘PIL’. A PDF of the PIL opens in a new window.
You can also:
- Select the brand name of your medicine.
- Scroll down to the Documents section.
- From the Package Leaflet line, select PDF version. A PDF of the PIL opens in a new window.
If your PIL is not on the HPRA website, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website opens in a new window when you select ‘PIL’.
You can find your PIL on the EMA website.
Finding your PIL on the EMA websiteIf your PIL is not on the HPRA website, you will be sent to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) website.
To find your PIL on the EMA website:
- In the Medicines search box, enter the brand name of your medicine and the word ‘epar’. For example: ‘Zoely epar’. A list of matching medicines appears.
- Select the ‘Human medicine European public assessment report (EPAR)’ for your medicine
- From the table of contents, select Product information.
- Select the EPAR – Product Information link for your medicine. A PDF opens in a new window. The PIL information is in Annex III of the PDF under ‘labelling and package leaflet’
This content was fact checked by a pharmacist, a GP, the National Medication Safety Programme (Safermeds) and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
This project has received funding from the Government of Ireland’s Sláintecare Integration Fund 2019 under Grant Agreement Number 123.How and when to give paracetamol for children
Dosage and strength
Syrup doses for children
Infant syrup (sometimes called "junior syrup") is for children under 6 years old. A 5ml dose contains 120mg of paracetamol.
Six plus (6+) syrup is for children aged 6 years and older. A 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol.
Important: Important
Do not give your child more than 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours. Wait at least 4 hours between doses.
Doses for babies aged 2 months
If your baby is in pain or has a high temperature (including after having vaccinations), you can give them 1 dose of paracetamol syrup (or 1 suppository).
The usual dose is 2.5ml of infant syrup (or a 60mg suppository).
If your baby was premature, or they're small for their age, check with your doctor or health visitor. They may recommend a lower dose.
You can give your baby 1 more dose of syrup 4 hours later, if they need it. If they still have a high temperature after this, contact your doctor or speak to a pharmacist.
Infant syrup: 120mg/5ml
| Age | How much? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 months | 2.5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 6 to 23 months | 5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 2 to 4 years | 7.5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 4 to 6 years | 10 ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
Six plus (6+) syrup: 250mg/5ml
| Age | How much? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 years | 5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 8 to 10 years | 7. 5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 10 to 12 years | 10ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
Tablet doses for children
Tablets usually come as 500mg or 250mg (Calpol Fastmelts).
Important: Important
Do not give your child more than 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours. Wait at least 4 hours between doses.
Tablets
| Age | How much? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 years | 250mg | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 8 to 10 years | 375mg | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 10 to 12 years | 500mg | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 12 to 16 years | 750mg | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
How to give paracetamol to your child
Paracetamol can be taken with or without food.
Syrup
Shake the bottle well for at least 10 seconds and measure out the right amount using the plastic syringe or spoon that comes with the medicine. If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not measure the right amount.
If your child does not like the taste, you can give them a drink of milk or fruit juice straight after giving them the syrup.
Video: how to give medicine to a child using an oral syringe
This video describes how to give medicine to a child using an oral syringe.
Media last reviewed: 17 July 2022
Media review due: 17 July 2025
Tablets
Tablets should be swallowed with a drink of water, milk or juice. Tell your child not to chew the tablet.
If your tablet is dissolvable (soluble), drop it into a drink of water and stir to make sure it has dissolved completely before giving it to your child to drink. Make sure your child drinks all the water mixture to get their full dose of paracetamol.
Calpol Fastmelts should not be swallowed – ask your child to let the tablet melt on their tongue.
Suppositories
Paracetamol suppositories are medicine that you push gently into your child's bottom.
Follow the instructions on the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
MenB vaccinations
Babies given the meningitis B vaccinations at 8 weeks and 16 weeks are likely to develop a high temperature within 24 hours. Because of this you can give babies from 2 months 3 doses of paracetamol (more than the usual recommended 2 doses).
Your health visitor may tell you to bring infant syrup to the vaccine appointment.
Giving paracetamol as soon as possible after the vaccine will reduce the risk of your baby getting a high temperature.
The usual dose following the MenB vaccinations is:
- 2.5ml as soon as possible after the vaccination
- 2.5ml 4 to 6 hours after the first dose
- 2.5ml 4 to 6 hours after the second dose
If your baby was premature, or they're small for their age, check with your doctor or health visitor before giving them paracetamol.
How often to give paracetamol
Do not give your child more than 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours. You can give it every 4 to 6 hours. Follow the instructions on the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
If your child is in pain, you can give them a dose of paracetamol every 6 hours for up to 3 days. This will help to relieve the pain safely without the risk of giving too much paracetamol.
If you have any concerns about how much pain your child is in, contact your doctor straight away.
Never give paracetamol for longer than 3 days without speaking to a doctor.
If your child has a high temperature or a pain that comes and goes, give them a dose of paracetamol when they first complain of feeling unwell or feeling pain. Wait at least 4 to 6 hours before giving another dose. Do not give your child more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
If your child takes too much
Important: Important
If you give your child 1 extra dose of paracetamol, wait at least 24 hours before giving them any more.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- your child takes 2 or more extra doses of paracetamol within 24 hours
They may need treatment.
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111. Call 111 if you're asking about a child under the age of 5 years.
If you need to take your child to A&E, take the paracetamol packet or leaflet plus any remaining medicine with you.
paracetamol
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Back to catalogAbout
Paracetamol Children's does not contain:
Suitable even for the smallest, from 2 months to 14 years.
Measuring spoon included.
A convenient form of administration for children is syrup.
The syrup has a pleasant taste: orange or strawberry.
It does not adversely affect the water-salt metabolism and the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract.
Indications for use.
Pain syndrome of mild to moderate intensity.
In infectious and inflammatory diseases (including viral infections).
Post-vaccination hyperthermia.
Dosing regimen.
The drug is taken orally before meals in undiluted form, washed down with plenty of liquid. Before use, the drug is thoroughly shaken.
FAQ
What is the effect of the drug Paracetamol for Children?
The drug Paracetamol for Children has analgesic and antipyretic effects.
For what types of pain can paracetamol for children be used?
The drug has an analgesic effect.
It is used for toothache, including teething, headache, earache with otitis and sore throat.
The maximum duration of taking the drug without consulting a doctor?
The maximum duration of the drug without consulting a doctor is 3 days. In the future, as well as in the absence of a therapeutic effect, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
How long does the effect of taking the drug last?
In children older than 3 months, if necessary, re-use of the drug is possible every 4-6 hours, but not more than 4 doses within 24 hours.
Can Paracetamol Child cause an allergic reaction?
When taking the drug, side effects from the immune system may develop, very rarely: skin reactions, including skin rash, angioedema, toxic epidermal necrolysis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, anaphylaxis.
At what age can Paracetamol be used?
The drug is used in children aged 3 months to 12 years. In children aged 2 to 3 months, a single dose of 10-15 mg/kg is used for the symptomatic treatment of reactions to vaccination.
Does paracetamol for children contain alcohol?
The drug paracetamol does not contain ethyl alcohol in its composition.
How long can Paracetamol Children be stored after opening?
Use the drug within 6 months after opening the vial.
Arpimed
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Paracetamol can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
If any of the following side effects develop, stop taking paracetamol and consult a doctor immediately:
The following side effects are very rare and may affect up to 1 in 10,000 patients): reactions such as skin rash and itching, sometimes trouble breathing, or swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face.
Other side effects may include a severe decrease in the number of white blood cells, making the body more susceptible to infections.
Reporting side effects:
If you notice any side effects, tell your doctor or pharmacist, including any side effects not listed in this package insert. You can also report side effects directly to the Academician E. Gabrielyan Scientific Center for Expertise of Drugs and Medical Technologies by going to the website: www.pharm.am in the section “Report a side effect of a drug” and fill out the form “Side effect report card medicines.
" Hotline phone: +37410237665; +37498773368.
How to store Paracetamol
- Do not use paracetamol after the expiry date which is stated on the package. When specifying the expiration date, the last day of the specified month is meant.
- Keep out of the reach of children, dry, dark place at a temperature not exceeding 15 0 C.
- Shelf life - 3 years. After opening the vial, use within 6 months.
Do not dispose of medicines in wastewater or sewers. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of a medicine you will no longer use. These measures are aimed at protecting the environment.
Contents of the pack and additional information
What Paracetamol contains 
