Paracetamol

Paracetamol

What is paracetamol?

• it is a medicine to help reduce pain and reduces fever 
• it will not cause drowsiness or cause your child to sleep
• it can be used for children and babies over 3 months old
• younger babies must see the doctor
  

Does my child need it?

• only give paracetamol if it is necessary
• use it if your child needs pain relief
• use it if your child feels very hot (temperature over 38.5°C) and is miserable
• it is not recommended to routinely give paracetamol before or after regular vaccinations unless recommend by your doctor or nurse. 
  

It's important to:

• keep all medicines out of reach and out of sight of children
• before each dose, check if it is still needed
• know the right dose to give and check the label for the correct strength; do not rely on the colour or flavour to check the strength
• wait at least 4 hours between doses, give no more than 4 times in 24 hours

Paracetamol does not need to be chilled. Do not keep in fridge. Check expiry before using.