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How do I give my child paracetamol safely?
A plain-language guide to giving paracetamol to children, including doses, safety rules, and when to get medical help.
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What it is
Paracetamol is a common painkiller for children. It helps relieve pain and high temperature (fever) [1]. It can help with aches and pains, teething pain, earache, sore throat, and pain from a cold or flu [2]. It can also help if your child is distressed or uncomfortable because of a fever [2].
Most children over 2 months old can take paracetamol [3]. But it may not be suitable if your child has had an allergic reaction to it before, or has a kidney or liver condition [3]. Always check the packet or leaflet to see if it is suitable for your child [3]. Ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure [3].
What you can do at home
Paracetamol for children comes in several forms: liquid (oral suspension), tablets and capsules, and suppositories (placed in the bottom) [6]. How you give it and how much to give depends on the type, your child’s age, and sometimes their weight [6]. Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine [6]. Ask a pharmacist, doctor, or nurse if you are not sure how to use it [6].
- Check the dose on the packet or leaflet every time [6].
- Use the measuring device that comes with the medicine [4].
- Your child can eat and drink normally when taking paracetamol [7].
- If paracetamol is not helping, you can try ibuprofen for children instead, if it is suitable [7].
- Do not give ibuprofen and paracetamol at the same time [7].
- You can alternate between them only if a health professional tells you to [7].
- If you alternate, write down when you gave each medicine to space doses evenly and avoid giving too much [7].
Do not give other medicines that contain paracetamol, such as cold and flu medicine, at the same time [5]. Some other medicines may not mix well with paracetamol, including medicines that stop you being sick (metoclopramide and domperidone) and the antibiotic flucloxacillin [5]. Check the packet or leaflet, and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure [5].
Children do not usually get any side effects after taking paracetamol [4].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Get medical advice if you have given your child more paracetamol than it says on the packet, leaflet, or prescription [4]. An extra dose can sometimes be dangerous [4]. Get medical advice for a child under 5 years old [4]. If you are told to go to the emergency department, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call your emergency number for an ambulance [4]. Bring the paracetamol packet or leaflet, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines your child takes [4].
Get medical advice if you have given your child paracetamol and think they might be having serious side effects [10]. Rarely, paracetamol can cause serious side effects in children, including [10]:
- An allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – symptoms include a swollen throat or tongue, a raised and itchy rash, and difficulty breathing [10].
- A liver problem – symptoms include feeling sick (nausea) and skin or the white part of the eyes turning yellow (jaundice), which may be harder to notice on black or brown skin [10].
- A blood cell problem – symptoms include bruising easily and nosebleeds [10].
Common questions
Can I give paracetamol with ibuprofen? Do not give them at the same time [7]. You can alternate between them only if a health professional tells you to [7]. If you do alternate, write down when you gave each medicine [7].
What if I give too much paracetamol? Get medical advice, because an extra dose can sometimes be dangerous [4]. Get medical advice for a child under 5 years old [4].
Can my child eat and drink with paracetamol? Yes, your child can eat and drink normally when taking paracetamol [7].
What if my child has side effects? Children do not usually get any side effects [4]. Rarely, serious side effects can occur, such as an allergic reaction, liver problems, or blood cell problems [10]. Get medical advice if you think your child might be having serious side effects [10]. For a full list of side effects, see the leaflet that comes with the medicine [9].
Sources
[1] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [2] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “What paracetamol is for”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [3] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “Who can and cannot take paracetamol”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [4] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “If you give your child too much paracetamol”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [5] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “Giving paracetamol with other medicines, food and drink”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [6] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “How to give paracetamol and how much to give (dose)”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [7] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “Giving paracetamol with ibuprofen”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [9] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “More about side effects”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/ [10] NHS — “Paracetamol for children (Calpol) - Other common brands: Panadol” (2025), section “Serious side effects”, p. 1 — https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
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