Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension Sachets

What Are Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Sachets?

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 sachets are a well-established, over-the-counter paracetamol suspension designed specifically for children aged 6 years and over. Each sachet contains paracetamol 250mg/5ml in a convenient, pre-measured format that makes dosing straightforward, even when you're tired and stressed at 2am. You can find this product and other children's essentials in our baby and toddler collection.

The sachets are sugar free, which matters if your child has diabetes or if you're simply trying to reduce their sugar intake. They're also alcohol free and gluten free, making them a practical choice for families with specific dietary needs. Paracetamol is one of the most widely used and well-studied medicines for children in the UK, recommended by the NHS for the relief of mild to moderate pain and fever.

How Do Calpol Six Plus Sachets Work in the Body?

Paracetamol — the active ingredient in these sachets — works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that play a key role in triggering pain and raising body temperature. By reducing their production, paracetamol helps to lower fever and ease discomfort. Here's a simple breakdown of the mechanism:

• Paracetamol is absorbed through the gut wall into the bloodstream after swallowing.
• It crosses into the central nervous system, where it acts on pain-processing pathways.
• It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the sensation of pain and the hypothalamic set-point for body temperature.
• Effects typically begin within 30 to 60 minutes of taking a dose.
• The duration of action is usually 4 to 6 hours.

Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties, but it is generally better tolerated in children with stomach sensitivities or asthma.

Who Should Use Calpol Six Plus Sachets?

These sachets are intended for children aged 6 to 12 years. They're particularly useful for children who struggle to swallow tablets, or for parents who want a pre-measured, portable option rather than carrying a bottle of liquid suspension. The sugar-free formulation also makes them a sensible choice for children with diabetes or those prone to tooth decay.

• Children aged 6 to 12 years with mild to moderate pain (e.g. headache, toothache, sore throat, earache)
• Children with a fever, including post-vaccination fever
• Children who need to avoid sugar in their medicines
• Families who want a convenient, portable dosing format for school bags or travel

Do not give these sachets to children under 6 years old. If your child is under 6, speak to your pharmacist about age-appropriate alternatives.

How Do Calpol Six Plus Sachets Compare to Calpol Six Plus Liquid?

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

Most children tolerate Calpol Six Plus sugar free sachets well. However, you should check the full ingredients list if your child has known allergies, particularly to any of the excipients. Children with severe liver or kidney problems should not use paracetamol without medical supervision. If your child is already taking other medicines — including any that contain paracetamol — speak to your pharmacist before giving these sachets, as combining paracetamol products can lead to accidental overdose. For broader children's health support, including vitamins and supplements to support immunity, browse our vitamins and supplements collection.

Store sachets below 25°C, away from direct sunlight, and keep them out of the reach and sight of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed 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 Sachets contain paracetamol 250mg/5ml as the active ingredient. They are used to relieve mild to moderate pain in children aged 6 to 12 years, including headache, toothache, sore throat, and earache. They are also used to reduce fever, including fever that can occur after childhood vaccinations. Paracetamol is one of the first-line medicines recommended by the NHS for managing pain and high temperature in children.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Calpol Six Plus Sachets?

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

Do not use if your child:

• Is under 6 years of age
• Is allergic to paracetamol or any other ingredient in the sachets
• Has severe liver disease
• Is already taking another medicine containing paracetamol

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

• Has kidney or liver problems
• Is underweight or malnourished
• Has phenylketonuria (PKU) — check the excipient list, as some formulations contain aspartame
• Has a known allergy to any medicine

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 Give Calpol Six Plus Sachets to Your Child?

Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or as directed by your pharmacist. The sachets are pre-measured, which removes the guesswork of measuring liquid with a spoon. Here's how to use them correctly:

1. Check your child's age and weight to confirm the correct dose.
2. Tear open one sachet along the perforated edge.
3. Pour the contents directly into your child's mouth, or mix with a small amount of water if preferred.
4. Ensure your child swallows the full contents of the sachet.
5. Note the time of the dose and do not repeat within 4 hours.
6. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.

If your child's symptoms do not improve after 3 days of fever treatment or 5 days of pain treatment, stop use and consult a doctor. If you're also managing cold and flu symptoms alongside pain and fever, you may find our cold and flu collection helpful for additional support options.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol Six Plus Sachets?

Paracetamol is generally very well tolerated when used at the recommended dose. Serious side effects are rare, but it's important to know what to look out for.

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
• Flushing
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) — very rare
• Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia or agranulocytosis — extremely rare

Stop giving the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if your child develops a severe skin reaction, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which is very rare but requires urgent treatment.

How Should You Store Calpol Six Plus Sachets?

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

• Store below 25°C in a dry place.
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the outer carton.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused sachets to your local pharmacy for safe disposal.

For children who experience discomfort alongside their illness, such as ear or throat pain, our ear, nose and throat collection includes additional products that may help manage associated symptoms.