Paracetamol for Children

Common Brand Names

Panadol, Biogesic, Progesic

This medicine is also commonly known as: 

Acetaminophen

Overview

Paracetamol is a common painkiller for children. It's often used to treat headaches, stomach ache, earache, and cold symptoms. It can also be used to bring down a high temperature (fever).

Paracetamol for children is available as tablets or as a syrup.

Paracetamol also comes as suppositories (medicine that you push gently into your 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.

You can give your child a suppository from the age of 3 months.

Paracetamol tablets (including soluble tablets), syrup and suppositories are available on prescription and to buy from shops and pharmacies.

For over-16s, find out more about paracetamol for adults.

Important Facts

Paracetamol for children comes in different strengths, including different strengths of syrup. The strength and dosage depends on your child's age (and sometimes weight), so always check the instructions carefully.

Your child should start to feel better about 30 minutes after taking tablets or syrup. Suppositories can take up to 60 minutes to work fully.

Do not give your child any other medicines that contain paracetamol. These include some cough and cold medicines, so check the ingredients carefully.

Paracetamol for children is a common medicine, but it can be dangerous if your child takes too much. Be careful to keep it out of your child's reach.

Give paracetamol to your child if they are in pain.

You can give paracetamol to your child if they have a high temperature and they feel distressed or unwell.