Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension - 100ml

What Is Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension?

When your child is running a temperature or complaining of a headache, you want something that works — and that you can trust. Calpol Six Plus sugar free suspension is a well-established oral paracetamol liquid designed specifically for children aged 6 years and over. Each 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol, providing reliable relief from mild to moderate pain and helping to bring down a fever. It's sugar free, which makes it a practical choice for children who need to limit their sugar intake. You can find it alongside other trusted options in our baby and toddler range.

Paracetamol has been used safely in children for decades and remains one of the most widely recommended medicines for childhood fever and pain by the NHS. This suspension is strawberry flavoured, making it easier to give to children who might otherwise resist taking medicine. It's available over the counter without a prescription, so you can order it quickly and conveniently when you need it most.

How Does Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension Work?

Paracetamol works primarily in the central nervous system. It reduces fever and relieves pain through a well-understood mechanism, though researchers continue to refine their understanding of the exact pathways involved. Here's a simplified breakdown:

• Paracetamol inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the brain, reducing the production of prostaglandins — chemicals that trigger pain and raise body temperature.
• By lowering prostaglandin levels in the hypothalamus (the brain's temperature-regulating centre), it helps bring a fever down.
• It also raises the pain threshold, meaning your child feels less discomfort from headaches, sore throats, toothache, or aches associated with colds and flu.
• Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, but it is gentler on the stomach.

The liquid formulation means it's absorbed relatively quickly, with effects typically beginning within 30 to 60 minutes of taking the correct dose.

Who Should Use Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension?

This suspension is intended for children aged 6 years and over. It's particularly useful when a child needs pain or fever relief but cannot swallow tablets. It's also a sensible option for children who need to avoid sugar in their diet. That said, it's not suitable for everyone — always read the label carefully before use.

This product is well suited for children who:

• Are aged 6 years or older and need relief from mild to moderate pain (e.g. headache, toothache, sore throat, earache)
• Have a fever associated with a cold, flu, or post-vaccination reaction
• Have diabetes or are on a sugar-restricted diet and need a sugar free paracetamol option
• Struggle to swallow tablets or capsules and require a liquid formulation

How Does Calpol Six Plus Compare to Calpol Infant Suspension?

Is Calpol Six Plus Suitable for Children With Allergies or Specific Health Conditions?

If your child has a known allergy to paracetamol or any of the other ingredients listed in the product leaflet, do not use this suspension. Children with liver or kidney problems should only use Calpol Six Plus sugar free suspension under medical supervision, as paracetamol is processed by the liver. Similarly, if your child is already taking any other medicine containing paracetamol — including some cold and flu remedies — do not give this product at the same time, as this can lead to accidental overdose. If you're unsure, our cold and flu section has further guidance on managing symptoms safely.

Store the bottle below 25°C and keep it out of reach of children. Do not refrigerate. Once opened, use within the period stated on the packaging.

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 Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension is an oral liquid medicine containing paracetamol 250mg per 5ml. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain in children aged 6 and over — including headaches, toothache, sore throats, and earache — and to reduce fever. The NHS recommends paracetamol as a first-line option for managing fever and pain in children when used at the correct dose. This formulation is sugar free, making it appropriate for children who need to avoid sucrose.

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

Before giving this medicine to your child, read the following carefully. Do not use Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension if any of the contraindications below apply:

• Your child is under 6 years of age
• Your child is allergic to paracetamol or any other ingredient in the suspension
• Your child has severe liver or kidney disease
• Your child is already taking another medicine containing paracetamol

Speak to your pharmacist or GP before use if your child has liver problems, kidney problems, or is malnourished, as these conditions can affect how paracetamol is processed in the body.

Be aware of the following potential drug interactions:

• Other paracetamol-containing products (risk of overdose)
• Warfarin — regular use of paracetamol may enhance the anticoagulant effect
• Some medicines used to treat epilepsy (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) may affect how paracetamol works
• Metoclopramide and domperidone may increase the rate of paracetamol absorption

How Should You Use Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension?

Always use the measuring device provided with the pack to ensure an accurate dose. Never use a kitchen spoon, as this can lead to under- or over-dosing. Follow these steps:

1. Shake the bottle well before each use.
2. Use the syringe or measuring cup provided to draw up the correct dose for your child's age or weight.
3. Give the suspension orally — it can be swallowed directly or mixed with a small amount of water if needed.
4. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
5. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.

If your child's symptoms do not improve after 3 days (for fever) or 5 days (for pain), stop use and consult a doctor. You can also browse our pain relief collection for additional options suitable for older children and adults.

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

Paracetamol is generally very well tolerated at recommended doses. Serious side effects are rare but can occur, particularly if the medicine is used incorrectly or in excessive amounts. Always follow the dosing instructions carefully.

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

• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort

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

• Skin rash or itching
• Allergic reactions including urticaria (hives)
• Blood disorders (e.g. thrombocytopenia — low platelet count) — very rare
• Liver damage — only in cases of overdose or prolonged excessive use

If your child develops a rash, swelling of the face or throat, or difficulty breathing after taking this medicine, stop use immediately and seek emergency medical help. These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is very rare but requires urgent attention.

How Should You Store Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension?

Correct storage helps maintain the medicine's effectiveness and safety. Follow these guidelines:

• Store below 25°C in a dry place
• Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children
• 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're managing your child's health during cold and flu season, it's worth keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet. Our first aid collection includes a range of essentials to help you stay prepared.