Calpol Infant Sugar Free Strawberry Suspension (Colour Free) - 100ml

What Is Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension?

When your baby is unwell — running a temperature, cutting their first teeth, or just clearly uncomfortable — you want something that works and that you can trust. Calpol infant sugar free suspension has been a go-to choice for parents across the UK for decades, and for good reason. This 100ml strawberry-flavoured liquid contains paracetamol 120mg per 5ml and is specifically formulated for babies and young children from 2 months of age. It's free from sugar, artificial colours, and gluten, which makes it a thoughtful option for families who want to avoid unnecessary additives in their little one's medicine. You'll find it and other trusted remedies in our baby and toddler collection.

Paracetamol is one of the most widely used and well-studied medicines in the world. The NHS recommends it as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate pain and fever in children, and this suspension delivers it in a form that's easy to measure and gentle to give. At just £3.89 for 100ml, it's an accessible option for every household with young children.

How Does Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension Work?

Paracetamol — the active ingredient in this suspension — works primarily in the central nervous system. It reduces fever by acting on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature, and it relieves pain by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, the chemical messengers that signal pain and inflammation. Here's a simple breakdown of the mechanism:

• Paracetamol is absorbed through the gut lining after swallowing
• It travels via the bloodstream to the brain and central nervous system
• It blocks prostaglandin production, reducing the sensation of pain
• It acts on the hypothalamus to lower an elevated body temperature
• Effects typically begin within 30–60 minutes of administration

Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, but it is gentler on the stomach and suitable from a younger age. This makes it the preferred first choice for very young babies.

Who Should Use Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension?

This suspension is designed for babies and young children who need relief from mild to moderate pain or a high temperature. It's particularly useful in the following situations:

• Babies aged 2 months and over with a fever (temperature of 38°C or above)
• Infants experiencing discomfort after routine vaccinations
• Young children with teething pain or earache
• Children with a cold, sore throat, or headache

It is not suitable for babies under 2 months of age. If your baby was born prematurely or has an underlying health condition such as liver or kidney problems, speak to your GP or pharmacist before use.

How Does Calpol Infant Sugar Free Compare to Calpol Six Plus?

Is Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension Safe to Store at Home?

Yes — storing this medicine correctly is straightforward. Keep it below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate the suspension, as this can affect the consistency of the liquid. Once opened, use within 3 months. If you're building a home medicine cabinet, you might also want to explore our pain relief range for other trusted options.

Always check the expiry date before giving any medicine to your child. If the suspension looks discoloured or has an unusual smell, do not use it — return it to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Calpol Infant Sugar Free Strawberry Suspension is an oral paracetamol liquid medicine containing 120mg of paracetamol per 5ml. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever (high temperature) in babies and young children from 2 months of age. Common reasons parents reach for this suspension include teething discomfort, earache, sore throat, headache, and fever following routine childhood vaccinations. The NHS recommends paracetamol as a safe and effective first-line option for managing pain and fever in children when used at the correct dose.

This formulation is free from sugar, artificial colours, and gluten. The strawberry flavour makes it more palatable for young children, and the colour-free formula is a reassurance for parents who prefer to minimise additives. It is a General Sale List (GSL) medicine, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension?

Before giving this medicine to your child, read the following carefully. There are situations where it should not be used, and others where extra caution is needed.

Do not use this suspension if your child:

• Is under 2 months of age
• Has a known allergy to paracetamol or any other ingredient in the product
• Has severe liver or kidney disease
• Is already taking another medicine containing paracetamol

Use with caution and speak to a pharmacist or GP if your child:

• Was born prematurely
• Has liver or kidney problems
• Is malnourished or has a low body weight
• Is taking any other regular medicines

Known drug interactions to be aware of:

• Warfarin — regular use of paracetamol may enhance the anticoagulant effect
• Other paracetamol-containing products — concurrent use risks overdose
• Metoclopramide or domperidone — may increase the rate of paracetamol absorption
• Cholestyramine — may reduce paracetamol absorption if taken within one hour

How Should You Use Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension?

Always use the oral dosing syringe included in the pack — never use a kitchen spoon, as this can lead to inaccurate dosing. Shake the bottle well before each use. Here's how to give the suspension safely:

1. Check your child's age and weight to confirm the correct dose
2. Shake the bottle gently before opening
3. Draw up the correct dose using the oral syringe provided
4. Place the syringe gently into the side of your baby's mouth
5. Slowly push the plunger to release the medicine — do not rush
6. Rinse the syringe with clean water after each use

Leave at least 4 hours between each dose. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period. If your child's symptoms do not improve within 24 hours (for fever) or 48 hours (for pain), seek medical advice. For broader children's health support, our cold and flu collection includes additional remedies suitable for older children.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension?

Paracetamol is generally very well tolerated in children when used at the correct dose. Serious side effects are rare. However, as with any medicine, reactions can occur. If your child shows signs of an allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — stop the medicine immediately and call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 children):

• Skin rash or itching
• Mild stomach upset

Less common or rare side effects:

• Allergic reactions including urticaria (hives)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) — very rare, associated with intravenous use, not oral
• Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia — extremely rare with oral use at recommended doses
• Liver damage — only a risk in cases of overdose; never exceed the recommended dose

How Should You Store Calpol Infant Sugar Free Suspension?

Correct storage keeps the medicine safe and effective for the full duration of use. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
• Do not refrigerate — cold temperatures can affect the suspension
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Once opened, use within 3 months
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacy

If you're looking for other essentials to keep at home alongside this suspension, our first aid collection has a range of useful products for families.