Safe Use Of Paracetamol In Children

Key points to remember about the safe use of paracetamol in children

Always measure doses exactly. Ask your pharmacist or nurse for an oral syringe - to give your child medicine by mouth.

• paracetamol ('Pamol', 'Panadol') is a medicine to help reduce pain
• your child doesn't need it for fever alone - if your child is miserable because of the fever, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable
• too much paracetamol can be dangerous
• keep all medicines out of reach of children, in a locked or latched cupboard
• before each dose, check if your child still needs it
• know the right dose to give and check the strength
• give no more than 4 times in 24 hours
• if someone else has been caring for your child, ask if they gave your child paracetamol, how much and when
• check other medicines your child is taking - they may have paracetamol in them

What is paracetamol?

• paracetamol ('Pamol', 'Panadol') is a medicine to help reduce pain
• it will not cause drowsiness or cause your child to sleep

Does my child need paracetamol?

You can use paracetamol for children and babies over 3 months old - 
younger babies must see the doctor.

• you can use it for children and babies over 3 months old
• younger babies must see the doctor
• only give paracetamol if it's necessary
• fever is a normal response to infection and is not in itself harmful, so you don't need to give paracetamol for fever alone
• if your child is miserable because of the fever, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable
• you don't need to give babies and children paracetamol before or after immunisation - there is some evidence that paracetamol may reduce the effectiveness of childhood immunisations

How long will it take for liquid paracetamol to work for my child?

It varies between individuals but paracetamol seems to have the maximum effect between 1 ½ and 3 hours after you give the dose. Pain levels and temperature may start to come down before this.

What is the correct dose of paracetamol for my child?

• the dose depends on your child's weight and the strength of paracetamol
• always measure doses exactly - ask your pharmacist or nurse for an oral syringe
• weigh your child, then check the dosing table below
• check the strength - there are 2 strengths
• ask the pharmacist, doctor or nurse to show you

If your child won't take liquid paracetamol, and is old enough to safely swallow a tablet, you can give them a paracetamol tablet instead- make sure to give them the right dose:

Wait at least 4 hours between doses - give no more than 4 times in 24 hours.

• 1 tablet (500mg) if your child is more than 33kg
• 2 tablets (500mg each) if your child is more than 66kg

What do I need to do before every dose of paracetamol for my child?

• check your child to see if they need another dose
• wait at least 4 hours between doses - give no more than 4 times in 24 hours
• keep a record of the doses you give your child - check when you gave the last dose, before giving it again

How do I remember how many doses of paracetamol my child has had?

Keep a record of the paracetamol doses you've given your child.

Child's name:

Where should I keep paracetamol in the house?

• keep it in a high place out of reach and out of sight of children
• store it in a locked or latched cupboard
• the most common cause of poisoning is by children helping themselves
• it doesn't need to be chilled so don't keep it in the fridge
• it should have a child-resistant cap - ask your pharmacist

You might also be interested in the page Medicine safety: Tips for parents.

What if my child has too much paracetamol?

• too much paracetamol can damage your child's liver
• if your child has had too much, call your doctor, nurse or the Poisons Centre 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) immediately
• signs of overdose may include feeling sick (nausea), vomiting, diarrhoea, yellow skin or eyes, poor appetite, confusion or extreme sleepiness

Paracetamol information in other languages

See the Waitemata District Health Board website for paracetamol information in Chinese (PDF, 836KB) and Korean (PDF, 768KB).