Your child’s medicine at a glance

Calpol 120mg Suspension is a widely prescribed medicine that helps to ease pain and bring down high body temperature (fever). In children, it treats conditions like headache, toothache, body ache, fever, and common cold.

Calpol 120mg Suspension is given orally preferably at a fixed time every day. Though this medicine can be taken before or after food, it is best given after food as it can irritate the inner lining of an empty stomach. The dose and duration will depend upon your child’s age, body weight, and severity of the infection, so stick to the dose, time, and way prescribed by your child’s doctor. If your child vomits within 30 minutes of taking the medicine, let the child calm down and repeat the same dose. Redosing is not recommended if your child vomits more than 30 minutes after taking a dose.

Do not give your child Calpol 120mg Suspension along with other medicines (many cold and flu medicines and other painkillers) that contain paracetamol, as this may result in overdosing and cause dangerous side effects such as hepatotoxicity (liver damage). Always check the ingredients of any other medicines before giving them to your child in combination with this medicine.

Generally, this medicine is well-tolerated by the children. However, temporary side effects such as indigestion, nausea, and vomiting may occur in some children. Consult your doctor in case these episodes become bothersome for your child.

This medicine is often considered safe and effective but may not be suitable for everybody. Inform your doctor if your child is undergoing treatment for any blood-related disorder, is allergic to any medicinal compound, or has any birth defects, liver impairment, or kidney dysfunction. This will help your child’s doctor evaluate the dose and suitability of this medicine in a better way.

Uses of Calpol 120mg Suspension in children

Pain reliefTreatment of Fever

Benefits of Calpol 120mg Suspension for your child

In Pain relief

Calpol 120mg Suspension is a common painkiller used to treat aches and pains. It works by blocking chemical messengers in the brain that tell us we have pain. It is effective in relieving pain caused by headache, migraine, nerve pain, toothache, sore throat, period (menstrual) pains, arthritis, and muscle aches. This medicine is very widely used and very rarely causes side effects if taken at the right dosage. Take it as it is prescribed to get the most benefit. Do not take more or for longer than needed as that can be dangerous. In general, you should take the lowest dose that works, for the shortest possible time. It is also the first choice of painkiller during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

In Treatment of Fever

Calpol 120mg Suspension is also used to reduce a high temperature (fever). It works by blocking the release of certain chemical messengers that cause fever. It may be prescribed alone or in combination with another medicine. You should take it regularly as advised by your doctor.show moreshow less

Side effects of Calpol 120mg Suspension in children

Calpol 120mg Suspension does not pose serious side effects and is well-tolerated by children. In case the side effects do occur, they’re likely to subside once the body adapts to the medicine. Consult your child’s doctor if these side effects persist or bother your child. The most common side effects include-

Common side effects of Calpol

IndigestionStomach painNauseaVomiting

How can I give Calpol 120mg Suspension to my child?

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. Measure it with a measuring cup and take it by mouth. Shake well before use. Calpol 120mg Suspension is to be taken with food.

How Calpol Oral Suspension works

Calpol 120mg Suspension possesses analgesic (pain-reliever) and antipyretic (lowers body temperature) properties. It provides relief by blocking certain chemical messengers and pathways in the brain that send signals about pain and fever.

Safety advice

KidneyCAUTIONCalpol 120mg Suspension should be used with caution in patients with severe kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Calpol 120mg Suspension may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
However, Calpol 120mg Suspension contains paracetamol which is considered the safest painkiller for children with kidney disease.LiverCAUTIONCalpol 120mg Suspension should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Calpol 120mg Suspension may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
However, the use of Calpol 120mg Suspension is not recommended in children with severe liver disease and active liver disease.

What if I forget to give Calpol 120mg Suspension to my child?

Do not panic. Unless your doctor has advised a specific regime for your child, you can give the missed dose as soon as you remember it. Skip the missed dose if it’s almost time for the next dose. Do not give a double dose and follow the prescribed dosing schedule.

Quick tips

Give Calpol 120mg Suspension to your child with food or milk to prevent an upset stomach. Your child should not take more than four doses of this medicine in 24 hours, so wait up to 6 hours between doses. Never give any other medicine formulation containing paracetamol along with this medicine as that may lead to serious side effects. Inform the doctor if your child has liver disease as the dose may need to be adjusted. If Calpol 120mg Suspension does not seem to be helping your child, contact your doctor for advice. Do not give extra doses.

Fact Box

Chemical ClassP-Aminophenol DerivativeHabit FormingNoTherapeutic ClassPAIN ANALGESICSAction ClassAnalgesic & Antipyretic-PCM

FAQs

Q. How much Calpol 120mg Suspension should I give to my child?

Always follow your doctor's instructions regarding how much of the medicine to give and how often to give it. This depends on the strength of the medicine and the age of your child. You may also check the label or the leaflet inside the packaging for directions before use. The commonly recommended dose is 10-15 mg/kg per dose every 4 to 6 hours. In case you are not sure how much to give, consult your child’s doctor.

Q. When will my child’s condition improve after taking Calpol 120mg Suspension?

Calpol 120mg Suspension usually starts working within 30 to 60 mins of intake and shows its peak effect within 3 to 4 hours. Your child may start to feel better after a few doses. In case the pain or fever persists longer, consult your child’s doctor immediately.

Q. My child vomited after taking Calpol 120mg Suspension. What should I do?

Calpol 120mg Suspension usually starts working within 30 to 60 mins of intake and shows its peak effect within 3 to 4 hours. Your child may start to feel better after a few doses. In case the pain or fever persists longer, consult your child’s doctor immediately.

Q. Can I give Calpol 120mg Suspension to my child for low-grade fever?

You can give this medicine if your child has a temperature of 38.3°C (101°F) or higher. But, you must always try to speak to your child’s doctor first.

Q. My child’s fever is persistent even after taking Calpol 120mg Suspension. What should I do?

If the fever doesn't come down after the initial few doses, the cause might be an infection (virus or bacteria). It is advised to consult your child’s doctor for specific treatment.

Q. How much of Calpol 120mg Suspension is considered as an overdose?

You should only take four doses of Calpol 120mg Suspension in 24 hours. There should be a gap of at least 4-6 hours between two doses. Do not take it for more than 3 days without first talking to your doctor. Based on the dose, more than 250 mg/kg can lead to toxicity and can be potentially fatal. An overdose is capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. Inform your doctor immediately if you think you have given too much of this medicine to your child, even if your child seems well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.

Q. Is there any special diet my child needs to follow while taking this medicine?

Unless instructed by your doctor, your child should take a normal balanced diet while continuing this medicine as lack of nutrition can put your child at risk of developing medicinal toxicity.

Q. Where should I store this medicine?

Keep this medicine at room temperature in a dry place beyond the reach of the children.

Q. In what conditions Calpol 120mg Suspension must be given with caution?

It is advised to use Calpol 120mg Suspension with caution if the child has malnutrition, G6PD deficiency, liver disease, or any medicinal allergy. So, do not hesitate to share your child’s complete medical history with the doctor as that will help the doctor decide whether the medicine is safe for your child or not.

Q. Can I give Calpol 120mg Suspension on a routine basis when my child is taking a vaccine?

Calpol 120mg Suspension usually do not interfere with the ingredients in vaccines or cause a bad reaction in a child who has just been vaccinated. However, it is best if you let your child recover from the ongoing illness and finish the course of the medicine As soon as a child is feeling better the vaccine can and should be given.Show moreShow less