Calpol Syrup — Correct Dose for Children, Uses and Warnings
- Calpol = Paracetamol syrup, the safest option for children
- Dose: 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours
- Different concentrations: 120 mg/5ml (Pediatric), 250 mg/5ml (6+)
- Fever in a baby under 3 months = ER emergency
- No more than 4 doses in 24 hours
What is Calpol Syrup?
Calpol is GSK's brand name for a paracetamol syrup formulated for children. It is Pakistan's most common medicine for childhood fever and pain. It is exactly the same as Panadol but in liquid form, with added flavouring for children.
| Calpol Pediatric Suspension | 120 mg/5 ml — 3 months to 6 years |
| Calpol 6+ | 250 mg/5 ml — 6+ years |
| Calpol Drops | 100 mg/ml — newborns (doctor prescription only) |
| Calpol Tablets | 500 mg — 12+ years |
| Pakistan price | ~80–150 PKR per 60 ml bottle |
What is Calpol Used For?
- Fever — viral, post-vaccination, teething
- Headache
- Teething pain
- Earache
- Body aches
- Post-vaccination fussiness
- Sore throat
Calpol Pediatric Dose (120 mg / 5 ml) — Most Common
Dose is 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours:
| Age | Weight | Dose |
| 3–6 months | 4–7 kg | 2.5 ml |
| 6–12 months | 7–10 kg | 5 ml |
| 1–2 years | 10–12 kg | 5 ml (or 7.5 ml if 12+ kg) |
| 2–4 years | 12–16 kg | 7.5 ml |
| 4–6 years | 16–22 kg | 10 ml |
Calpol 6+ Dose (250 mg / 5 ml)
| Age | Weight | Dose |
| 6–8 years | 22–28 kg | 5 ml (1 teaspoon) |
| 8–10 years | 28–32 kg | 5–7.5 ml |
| 10–12 years | 32–40 kg | 10 ml (2 teaspoons) |
Important Rules
- Maximum 4 doses per 24 hours
- At least 4 hours between doses
- Do not give for more than 5 days without a doctor
- Always calculate the dose by weight, not age alone
- Use a measuring spoon, not a kitchen spoon
- Shake the bottle before use
Baby Under 3 Months
Fever (100.4°F+) in a baby under 3 months is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY!
- Do not give Calpol on your own
- Go to the ER or paediatrician immediately
- Fever in a newborn can be a sign of serious bacterial infection
- A doctor may prescribe Calpol drops (75 mg single dose) only after consultation
Side Effects (Very Rare)
Calpol is very safe at the recommended dose. However:
- Allergic rash (rare)
- Nausea (rare)
- Liver damage — from overdose
Overdose — The Biggest Risk
Calpol overdose is a common paediatric ER admission in Pakistan — accidental excess dose, or parents unknowingly giving another medicine as well (Panadol + Calpol both = paracetamol).
Symptoms (within 24–72 hours):
- Nausea, vomiting
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Lethargy
- Yellow skin/eyes (jaundice — late sign)
Action:
Go to the ER immediately. The antidote (N-acetylcysteine) is effective within 8 hours. Go even if there are no symptoms yet.
Child has a fever and Calpol is not enough? Consult a paediatric doctor on Ilaaj AI — correct diagnosis and treatment from home.
Chat with AI Doctor NowImportant: Do Not Combine
All of these contain paracetamol — do not give together:
- Calpol
- Panadol
- Disprol
- Pyromol
- Hilton
- Cold/flu syrups (check label)
Calpol vs Brufen Syrup
| Calpol | Brufen Syrup |
| From 3 months | From 6 months only |
| OK on empty stomach | Must be given with food |
| Stomach safe | Risk of stomach upset |
| Liver risk (overdose) | Kidney risk |
| Safe in dengue | NOT safe in dengue |
| NOT anti-inflammatory | Also anti-inflammatory |
How to Give Calpol to a Child
- Shake the bottle well
- Use a measuring spoon or oral syringe
- Give while the child is upright (sitting)
- Administer slowly towards the cheek
- Offer something to eat or drink immediately after
- Note the time and dose (to avoid accidental repeat)
Sponging — A Bonus During Fever
- Sponge with lukewarm (warm) water
- NEVER cold water (causes shivering and worsens fever)
- No ice
- 15–20 minutes, every 1–2 hours
- Additional help alongside Calpol
When to See a Doctor Immediately?
- Fever in a baby under 3 months
- Fever 102°F+ for more than 3 days
- Febrile seizure
- Child becomes very lethargic, stops feeding
- Rapid breathing
- Lips or nails turn blue
- Reduced urination (dehydration)
- Red or purple spots on skin
- Stiff neck
Conclusion
Calpol is the safest painkiller and fever medicine for children when used at the correct dose — 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours by weight, maximum 4 doses per day. Do not give multiple paracetamol products together. Fever in a baby under 3 months is an emergency. Consult a paediatric doctor on Ilaaj AI from the comfort of your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct Calpol syrup dose for a child?
The dose depends on the child's weight — 15 mg/kg every 4–6 hours. Calpol Pediatric (120 mg/5 ml): 3–6 months (4–7 kg) 2.5 ml; 6–12 months (7–10 kg) 5 ml; 1–2 years 5 ml; 2–4 years 7.5 ml; 4–6 years 10 ml. Calpol 6+ (250 mg/5 ml): 6–8 years 5 ml, 8–10 years 5–7.5 ml, 10–12 years 10 ml. Maximum 4 doses per 24 hours.
Can I give Calpol to a baby under 3 months?
Absolutely not without doctor consultation. Fever (100.4°F+) in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency — take the baby immediately to an ER or paediatrician. Fever in a newborn can be a sign of serious bacterial infection (sepsis, meningitis). A doctor may prescribe Calpol drops (75 mg single dose) only after consultation.
Can I give Calpol and Panadol together?
Absolutely not. Both Calpol and Panadol contain the same drug (paracetamol) — giving them together risks overdose and liver damage. These all contain paracetamol: Calpol, Panadol, Disprol, Pyromol, Hilton. Also check cold and flu syrups. Always count the total paracetamol when calculating the dose, even if the brand names are different.
Should I sponge the child along with Calpol?
Yes, it helps bring the fever down. But use lukewarm (warm) water only — cold water causes shivering and actually raises the fever. No ice either. 15–20 minutes every 1–2 hours. Apply a damp cloth to the forehead, neck, armpits and behind the knees. Keep giving fluids. Stop if the child starts to shiver.
Which is better for fever — Calpol or Brufen syrup?
Calpol (paracetamol) is safer and the first choice — suitable from 3 months, can be given on an empty stomach, and is safe in dengue. Brufen syrup (ibuprofen) is only for children 6 months and above, must be given with food, also has anti-inflammatory properties (better for joint pain), but must NOT be used in dengue (bleeding risk). For high persistent fever a doctor may alternate both. Never give aspirin to children (Reye's syndrome).
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