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.
Emergency 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.
Emergency 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.
Non-urgent advice: Find your patient information leaflet
Your patient information leaflet is the leaflet that comes with your medicine. You can find a digital version of the leaflet online.
Report side effects
You can report any suspected side effects to the the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA): report an issue - hrpa.ie
Fact check
This content was fact checked by a pharmacist, a GP, the National Medication Safety Programme (Safermeds) and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
