Calpol Infant Suspension - 200ml

 

What Is Calpol Infant Suspension and How Does It Help?

 

Calpol infant suspension is one of the most trusted over-the-counter medicines for babies and young children in the UK. It contains paracetamol 120mg per 5ml in a sugar-free, strawberry-flavoured liquid that's easy to give to little ones. Whether your baby is running a temperature after their vaccinations or seems unsettled with teething pain, this suspension offers reliable, fast-acting relief. You can find it alongside other trusted products in our baby and toddler range.

It's suitable for babies from 2 months of age and is licensed for use in children up to 6 years old in the infant formulation. The NHS recommends paracetamol as a first-line option for managing mild to moderate pain and fever in children, making this a staple in any family medicine cabinet.

 

How Does Calpol Infant Suspension Work to Reduce Fever and Pain?

 

Paracetamol — the active ingredient — works centrally in the brain and peripherally in the body to reduce pain and fever. Here's a simple breakdown of the mechanism:

• Paracetamol inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the central nervous system, reducing the production of prostaglandins that signal pain.
• It acts on the hypothalamus — the brain's temperature-regulating centre — to lower a raised body temperature.
• Unlike ibuprofen, it does not have significant anti-inflammatory activity at standard doses, which makes it gentler on the stomach.
• Onset of action is typically within 30–60 minutes of administration.

Because it works centrally rather than peripherally, it's well tolerated in infants when used at the correct dose. It does not mask serious symptoms in the way that stronger medicines might, so you can still monitor your child's condition effectively.

 

Who Is Calpol Infant Suspension Suitable For?

 

This suspension is designed specifically for younger children. It's appropriate for:

• Babies aged 2 months and over (up to 6 years for the infant formulation)
• Children experiencing mild to moderate pain — including teething, earache, sore throat, or headache
• Infants with a fever, including post-vaccination fever
• Children who cannot swallow tablets or capsules

It is not suitable for babies under 2 months of age. If your child is premature or has a known liver or kidney condition, always speak to your GP or pharmacist before use. Children with a known allergy to paracetamol or any of the excipients should not use this product.

 

How Does Calpol Infant Suspension Compare to Calpol Six Plus?

 

 

How Should You Store Calpol Infant Suspension and Check It Is Still Safe to Use?

 

Store this medicine below 25°C in a dry place — do not refrigerate it, as this can affect the consistency of the suspension. Once opened, use within 28 days and discard any remaining liquid after that point. Always check the expiry date on the bottle before giving it to your child.

Keep the bottle tightly closed and well out of the reach and sight of children. If you're building up your home medicine supplies, you might also want to explore our first aid collection for other essentials. If you're ever unsure whether a dose is still appropriate or the product is still in date, your pharmacist can advise.

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.

Calpol Infant Suspension 200ml specifications

Treatment category	Children's pain relief and fever management
Mechanism of action	COX enzyme inhibition; hypothalamic temperature regulation
Effective for	Mild to moderate pain, fever, post-vaccination temperature
Suitable for	Babies and children aged 2 months to 6 years
Active ingredient	Paracetamol 120mg/5ml
Pack size	200ml
Strength	120mg/5ml
UK classification	General Sale List (GSL)
Drug class	Analgesic / Antipyretic
Preparation	Oral suspension
Route of administration	Oral

Specifications of Calpol Infant Suspension 200ml

 

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, including the raised temperature that sometimes follows routine childhood vaccinations. The NHS advises that paracetamol is appropriate for managing post-immunisation fever in infants aged 2 months and over.

It is available over the counter without a prescription and is classified as a General Sale List (GSL) medicine in the UK. The 200ml bottle is a practical size for families who want a reliable supply at home.

 

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

 

Before giving this medicine to your child, read the following carefully.

Do not use Calpol Infant Suspension if your child:

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

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

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

Known drug interactions:

• Other paracetamol-containing products — concurrent use can cause accidental overdose
• Warfarin — prolonged regular use of paracetamol may enhance the anticoagulant effect
• Metoclopramide — may increase the rate of paracetamol absorption

 

How Should You Use Calpol Infant Suspension?

 

Always use the oral dosing syringe provided in the pack — never use a kitchen spoon, as this can lead to inaccurate dosing. Shake the bottle well before each use.

1. Check your child's age and weight against the dosage table below.
2. Measure the correct dose using the oral syringe provided.
3. Administer the suspension directly into your child's mouth, aiming for the inside of the cheek.
4. If your child refuses, you may mix the dose with a small amount of cool, previously boiled water.
5. Wait at least 4 hours before giving another dose if symptoms persist.
6. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.

If your child's fever does not improve within 24 hours, or their pain persists beyond 3 days, contact your GP. You may also find it helpful to browse our cold and flu range for additional supportive products during illness.

 

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol Infant Suspension?

 

Paracetamol is generally very well tolerated in children when used at the correct dose. Serious side effects are rare. However, you should be aware of the following:

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

• None commonly reported at therapeutic doses

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 children):

• Skin rash or itching
• Nausea or stomach discomfort
• Flushing

Rare but serious — stop use immediately and seek urgent medical attention if your child develops:

• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (signs of a serious allergic reaction)
• Difficulty breathing or wheezing
• Severe skin reactions such as blistering or peeling
• Signs of liver problems — yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

Overdose is a serious risk with paracetamol. If you think your child has taken too much, go to your nearest A&E immediately, even if they seem well. Take the medicine packaging with you.

 

How Should You Store Calpol Infant Suspension?

 

Correct storage keeps the medicine safe and effective for the full duration of use. For families managing multiple health products at home, our vitamins and supplements collection also includes products that support children's general wellbeing.

• Store below 25°C in a dry place — do not refrigerate
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Use within 28 days of first opening
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Keep out of the reach and sight of children at all times
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacist