Paracetamol for children (Calpol)

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Paracetamol is a common painkiller for children that helps relieve pain and high temperature. You can buy most types from shops and pharmacies, but some types are only available with a prescription. This information is for children aged 17 years or under. There's separate information about paracetamol for adults. 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. Infant liquid (oral suspension) is for children up to 5 years old. It has 120mg paracetamol in 5ml of medicine. Shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before using it and always use the syringe or spoon that comes with it to measure the correct amount. If your child is: 3 to 5 months old, give them 2.5ml 6 to 23 months, give them 5ml 2 to 3 years, give them 7.5ml 4 to 5 years, give them 10ml Children aged 3 months and over can have paracetamol up to 4 times a day if they need it. Wait at least 4 hours between each dose. Babies aged 2 to 3 months old can also be given paracetamol if they weigh over 4kg and were born after 37 weeks of pregnancy. They should usually only be given 2.5ml up to 2 times in a day (leaving at least 4 hours between each dose). But you can give a baby aged 2 to 3 months up to 3 doses after their first and second MenB vaccinations to help stop them getting a high