1. About paracetamol for children
Paracetamol is a common painkiller for children. It's often used to treat headaches, stomach ache, earache, and cold symptoms. It can also be used to bring down a high temperature (fever).
It's available as tablets or as a syrup.
Paracetamol also comes as 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.
For teenagers aged 16 and over, read our information on paracetamol for adults.
NHS coronavirus advice
There is currently no strong evidence that ibuprofen can make coronavirus (COVID-19) worse.
But until we have more information, take paracetamol to treat the symptoms of coronavirus, unless your doctor has told you paracetamol is not suitable for you or your child.
If you or your child are already taking ibuprofen or another non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) on the advice of a doctor, do not stop taking it without checking first.
Updated: 17 March 2020
2. Key facts
- There are different types of paracetamol for children, including 2 strengths of syrup. The strength and dosage depends on your child's age (and sometimes weight), so always read the instructions carefully.
- Your child should start to feel better about 30 minutes after taking tablets or syrup. Suppositories can take up to 60 minutes to work properly.
- Do not give your child any other medicines that contain paracetamol. These include some cough and cold medicines, so check the ingredients carefully.
- Paracetamol is an everyday medicine, but it can be dangerous if your child takes too much. Be careful to keep it out of the reach of children.
- Paracetamol is known by many different brand names, including Disprol, Hedex, Medinol and Panadol. Paracetamol syrup is also known by the brand name Calpol.
3. Who can and can't take paracetamol
Children can take 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
Important
Do not give paracetamol to babies younger than 2 months old, unless it is prescribed by a doctor.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child paracetamol if they:
- are small for their age, as a lower dose may be better
- have had liver or kidney problems
- take medicine for epilepsy
- take medicine for tuberculosis (TB)
- take warfarin (a blood-thinning medicine)
4. Dosage and how often to give it
Paracetamol tablets, syrup and suppositories come in a range of strengths. Children need to take a lower dose than adults, depending on their age.
Ask your doctor or a pharmacist for advice if your child is small or big for their age and you're not sure how much to give.
Paracetamol tablets (including soluble tablets), syrup and suppositories are available on prescription and to buy from shops and pharmacies.
Syrup dosages for children
Infant syrup (sometimes called "junior syrup") is for children under 6 years old. A 5ml dose contains 120mg of paracetamol.
Six plus syrup is for children aged 6 years and older. A 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol.
Important
Do not give your child more than 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours. Wait at least 4 hours between doses.
Infant syrup: 120mg/5ml
| Age | How much? | How often? |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 6 months | 2.5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 6 to 24 months | 5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 2 to 4 years | 7.5ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
| 4 to 6 years | 10ml | Max 4 times in 24 hours |
Six plus 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 |
Dosage instructions are different for babies over the age of 2 months (see Giving paracetamol to babies from 2 months).
Tablet dosages for children
Tablets usually come as 500mg. For lower doses break up the tablet to give your child a smaller amount.
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 often to give paracetamol
If your child needs help with pain day and night for several days (usually up to 3 days), give a dose of paracetamol every 6 hours. This will help to relieve the pain safely without the risk of giving too much paracetamol.
If your child has pain that comes and goes, give a dose of paracetamol when they first complain of pain. Wait at least 4 hours before giving another dose.
What if they take too much?
Important
If you give your child 1 extra dose of paracetamol by mistake, wait at least 24 hours before giving them any more.
Urgent advice: Get help from 111 now if:
- your child takes 2 extra doses of paracetamol or more.
They may need treatment.
Online
Go to 111.nhs.uk - for children aged 5 years and older
Telephone
If you need to take your child to hospital, bring the paracetamol packaging or leaflet plus any remaining medicine with you.
5. 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 don't have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as it will not give the right amount.
If your child doesn't like the taste, you can give them a drink of milk or fruit juice straight after giving them the syrup.