Paracetamol Dose paracetamol

 

Key Points to Remember:

  • Paracetamol (also know as ‘Panadol’ & ‘Pamol’) is a medicine to help reduce pain or fever.
  • Do not give paracetamol to your child for fever alone – if your child is miserable because of fever, you may give paracetamol to make them more comfortable
  • Giving too much paracetamol and for too long can be dangerous
  • Keep paracetamol out of reach of children (preferably in a locked cupboard)
  • Paracetamol liquid suspension for children comes in 2 strengths – 120mg/5ml & 250mg/5ml.
  • Ask your doctor or pharmacist for the right dose to give and always check the strength of the paracetamol.
  • Wait at least 4 hours between doses (maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours).
  • Always check other medicines given – some may have paracetamol in them.

 

What is Paracetamol?

  • Paracetamol is (also know as ‘Panadol’ & ‘Pamol’) is a medicine to help reduce pain or fever.
  • It will not cause drowsiness or cause your child to sleep
  • It can be used for children and babies over 3 months old.
  • Must consult doctor before giving paracetamol to younger babies.

 

Does My Child Need Paracetamol?

  • Use paracetamol if your child needs pain relief or if your child has a fever (temperature over 38.5°C) and is miserable.
  • Fever is a normal body response to infection and is not itself harmful. You do not need to give your child paracetamol for fever alone.
  • It is not recommended to routinely give paracetamol before or after regular vaccinations. There is some evidence that paracetmol may reduce the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations.

 

How To Give Paracetamol to My Child?

  • You may give paracetamol with or without food.
  • Always check how much to give with you pharmacist or doctor.
  • Wait at least 4 hours between doses. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.
  • Keep track of the timing of the doses.

 

What Is The Correct Dose?

  • The dose depends on your child’s weight and the strength of paracetamol.
  • Paracetamol suspension comes in 2 strengths – 120mg/5ml & 250mg/5ml.
  • Weigh your child, then check the dosing table or enter the weight in the paracetamol dose calculator below.
  • Always measure doses exactly – ask your pharmacist for an oral syringe.

 

Your child’s weight 120mg per 5mL 250mg per 5mL
5kg or less Ask doctor Ask doctor
6.5kg 4mL 2mL
8kg 5mL 2.5mL
10kg 6mL 3mL
15kg 9mL 4.5mL
20kg 12mL 6mL
30kg 18mL 9mL
40kg 25mL 12mL

 

[CP_CALCULATED_FIELDS id=”6″]    [CP_CALCULATED_FIELDS id=”7″]

 

Where Should I Keep Paracetamol?

  • Always keep it out of reach and sight of children.
  • Store it in a locked cupboard
  • Store at room temperature is fine – it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge.
  • Ask your pharmacist for a child-resistant cap.

 

What If My Child Has Too Much Paracetamol?

  • Too much paracetamol can be harmful to your child’s liver.
  • If your child has too much paracetamol, call your doctor, nurse or the Poison Centre 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) immediately.
  • Signs of overdose may include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, diarrhoea, yellow skin or eyes, poor appetite, confusion or extreme sleepiness.