Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Strawberry Suspension

What Is Calpol SixPlus 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 SixPlus 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 comes in a familiar strawberry flavour that most children find easy to take, and the sugar-free formula makes it a sensible choice for everyday use. You can find it alongside other trusted products in our baby and toddler range.

This suspension is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, meaning you do not need a prescription to buy it. It is licensed in the UK and widely recommended by healthcare professionals for managing common childhood illnesses such as colds, flu, teething discomfort in older children, and post-vaccination fever.

How Does Calpol SixPlus Suspension Work?

Paracetamol — the active ingredient in this suspension — works primarily within the central nervous system. It is thought to inhibit the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers involved in signalling pain and regulating body temperature. By reducing prostaglandin activity in the brain and spinal cord, paracetamol lowers the perception of pain and helps normalise an elevated temperature.

• Paracetamol is absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract after swallowing.
• It reaches peak plasma concentration within 30 to 60 minutes in most children.
• It acts centrally to reduce fever by affecting the hypothalamic heat-regulating centre.
• Unlike ibuprofen, it does not have significant anti-inflammatory properties at standard doses.
• It is metabolised primarily in the liver and excreted via the kidneys.

Who Should Use Calpol SixPlus Suspension?

This suspension is intended for children aged 6 years and over. It is particularly useful when a child needs a liquid formulation rather than tablets — for example, if they struggle to swallow solid medicines. The sugar-free formula is also appropriate for children with diabetes or those whose dentist has advised limiting sugar intake.

• Children aged 6 to 12 years who need pain or fever relief in liquid form
• Children with diabetes or those on a sugar-restricted diet
• Children who dislike or cannot swallow tablets
• Children experiencing mild to moderate pain from headaches, toothache, sore throat, or earache

How Does Calpol SixPlus Compare to Calpol Infant Suspension?

Is Calpol SixPlus Safe to Store at Home?

Yes — provided you follow the storage instructions carefully. Store the bottle below 25°C and do not refrigerate it, as cold temperatures can affect the consistency of the suspension. Always keep the cap tightly closed and store it out of the reach and sight of children. Once opened, the suspension should be used within the period stated on the label — typically 28 days. If you are managing your child's health at home and need additional support products, our first aid collection has a range of useful items to keep on hand.

Calpol SixPlus sugar free suspension should not be used beyond its expiry date. Dispose of any unused medicine safely — your local pharmacy can accept unwanted medicines 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 SixPlus Sugar Free Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Strawberry Suspension is an oral liquid medicine containing paracetamol 250mg per 5ml. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain in children aged 6 years and over, and to reduce fever (high temperature). Common reasons parents reach for it include headaches, sore throats, toothache, earache, and the discomfort associated with colds and flu. It may also be used to manage fever following childhood vaccinations, on the advice of a healthcare professional.

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

Before giving this medicine to your child, read the following carefully. There are situations where it 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 suspension
• Has severe liver or kidney disease
• Is already taking another medicine containing paracetamol

Speak to a pharmacist or GP before use if your child:

• Has liver or kidney problems
• Is underweight or malnourished
• Has phenylketonuria (note: this product contains saccharin sodium)
• Is taking any regular prescribed medicines

Known drug interactions:

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

Always use the measuring device provided with the pack — never use a household spoon, as this can lead to inaccurate dosing. Shake the bottle well before each use.

1. Check the expiry date on the bottle before use.
2. Shake the bottle gently but thoroughly.
3. Use the measuring syringe or spoon provided to draw up the correct dose.
4. Give the suspension directly into your child's mouth or mix with a small amount of water if needed.
5. Replace the cap securely after use.
6. Record the time of each dose to avoid accidental repeat dosing.

If your child's symptoms do not improve within 3 days, or if they worsen at any point, stop use and seek medical advice. For broader children's health support, you may also find our cold and flu range helpful during illness season.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol SixPlus Suspension?

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated in children when used at the correct dose. Side effects are uncommon but can occur.

Common side effects:

• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort

Less common side effects:

• Skin rash or itching
• Flushing
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) — very rare, associated with intravenous use rather than oral
• Blood disorders — extremely rare with short-term use

Stop giving the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if your child develops signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin rash. Paracetamol overdose — even accidental — can cause serious liver damage. If you suspect your child has taken too much, go to A&E immediately, even if they seem well.

How Should You Store Calpol SixPlus Suspension?

• Store below 25°C
• Do not refrigerate or freeze
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Store out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Once opened, use within 28 days
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return to your pharmacy

If you are looking for other medicines to keep in your home medicine cabinet, our pain relief collection includes a wide range of options for adults and children alike.