Calpol Infant Suspension - 100ml

What Is Calpol Infant Suspension and How Does It Help?

When your baby is running a temperature or seems uncomfortable, it can be a worrying time. Calpol infant suspension is one of the most trusted medicines parents reach for in those moments — and for good reason. This 100ml bottle contains paracetamol 120mg per 5ml in a sugar-free, strawberry-flavoured liquid that is gentle enough for babies from just 2 months of age. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to bring down a high temperature (fever). Whether it is post-vaccination discomfort, teething pain, or a cold-related fever, this suspension offers targeted, short-term relief. You can find it alongside other essentials in our baby and toddler range.

Paracetamol has been used safely in children for decades and remains the first-line recommendation from the NHS for managing fever and mild pain in infants. The infant suspension formulation is specifically designed for younger children, with a lower concentration than products intended for older children or adults.

How Does Calpol Infant Suspension Work?

Paracetamol — the active ingredient in this suspension — works through two main mechanisms in the body:

• Antipyretic action: It acts on the hypothalamus in the brain, the area responsible for regulating body temperature, helping to lower fever by promoting heat loss.
• Analgesic action: It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that sensitise nerve endings to pain, so reducing them helps ease discomfort.
• Rapid absorption: The liquid formulation is absorbed quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, meaning it can begin to take effect within 30 to 60 minutes of administration.
• No anti-inflammatory effect: Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is generally considered gentler on the stomach.

Who Should Use Calpol Infant Suspension?

This suspension is suitable for a specific age group and set of circumstances. It is not a one-size-fits-all product, so it is worth knowing exactly who it is designed for before you give it to your child.

• Babies aged 2 months and over (weighing more than 4kg and not born prematurely, for the youngest age group)
• Infants and young children experiencing mild to moderate pain, such as teething discomfort or earache
• Children with a fever following routine vaccinations
• Young children with cold or flu symptoms causing discomfort or raised temperature

It is not suitable for babies under 2 months of age. If your child has a known allergy to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients, do not use this product. Always speak to your GP or pharmacist if you are unsure whether this medicine is right for your child.

How Does Calpol Infant Suspension Compare to Alternatives?

How Should You Store Calpol Infant Suspension?

Proper storage keeps the medicine safe and effective. Store Calpol infant suspension below 25°C in a dry place — do not refrigerate it, as this can affect the consistency of the liquid. Always keep the bottle tightly closed and well out of the reach and sight of children. Once opened, use within the period stated on the packaging. If you are looking for other products to support your child's health, our cold and flu range includes a variety of options for the whole family.

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 Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Calpol Infant Suspension is an oral paracetamol liquid containing 120mg of paracetamol per 5ml. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain in babies and young children — including teething pain, earache, sore throat, and headache — and to reduce fever. It is also commonly used to manage discomfort and raised temperature following routine childhood vaccinations. The NHS recommends paracetamol as a first-line option for managing fever in children when treatment is needed.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Calpol Infant 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 Calpol Infant Suspension if your child:

• Is under 2 months of age
• Weighs less than 4kg
• Was born prematurely (if aged 2–3 months)
• Has a known allergy to paracetamol or any other ingredient in the suspension
• Has severe liver or kidney disease

Take extra care and speak to a pharmacist or GP if your child:

• Has liver or kidney problems
• Is already taking other medicines containing paracetamol
• Has glutathione deficiency (e.g. due to malnutrition or dehydration)
• Has phenylketonuria — check the full ingredient list with your pharmacist

Known drug interactions:

• Other paracetamol-containing products — risk of overdose if used together
• Warfarin — regular use of paracetamol may enhance the anticoagulant effect
• 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 Suspension?

Always use the measuring syringe or spoon provided with the pack to ensure accurate dosing. Never estimate the dose using a household teaspoon, as this can lead to under- or over-dosing.

1. Shake the bottle well before each use.
2. Use the oral syringe or measuring spoon provided to measure the correct dose.
3. Give the suspension directly into your child's mouth, or mix with a small amount of water if needed.
4. Wait at least 4 hours before giving another dose.
5. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.
6. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, or worsen at any point, contact your GP.

Dosage by age and weight:

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol Infant Suspension?

When used at the correct dose, paracetamol is well tolerated in most children. Side effects are uncommon, but it is important to know what to look out for. If you are concerned about any reaction, stop use and seek medical advice promptly. You can also browse our first aid range for products to support your child's wellbeing at home.

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

• Skin rash or itching
• Nausea (feeling sick)

Less common or rare side effects:

• Serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a sudden rash. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
• Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) — very rare
• Liver damage — only if the recommended dose is significantly exceeded
• Kidney problems — rare, associated with long-term overuse

How Should You Store Calpol Infant Suspension?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place
• Do not refrigerate
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children at all times
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacist

If you are managing your child's health more broadly, our vitamins and supplements range includes options designed to support children's immune health and general wellbeing.