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Original poster

5th dose Calpol in 24hrs?

39 replies

lochmaree · 05/11/2024 22:10

Sorry posting for traffic. 2yo suspected chicken pox but also keeps holding his ears, had Calpol today 4am, 8am, 12/1pm and 6pm. He's just been up screaming for half an hour (very unlike him). 111 put me on a list for a call within 6 hrs. Can't give ibuprofen because suspect CP. Does anyone know if a 5th dose of calpol is ok? He's gone back into a restless sleep for now so I would hold off as long as poss.

OP posts:
Floraflower3 · 05/11/2024 22:33

Don’t give it OP. It’s not just about the dose. The reason you shouldn’t give it more than 4x per day (with 4-6hrs between doses) is to allow enough time for the body to metabolise the paracetamol without a build up of the harmful by product.

Original poster
lochmaree · 05/11/2024 22:31

DieStrassensindimmernass · 05/11/2024 22:20

OP already has phoned them, but if something has changed significantly then she could call again.

Show quote history

Nothing has changed and I'm waiting on a call back. I've also tried to find a pharmacy I can call but unsuccessful so far.

OP posts:
NeedToGetOutOfThisSomehow · 05/11/2024 22:24

My gp has told me to do this previously when dc were really poorly. She said 4 hours on the button. As a 1 off it won't hurt.

Have done now with all my kids. They're fine and 1 is an adult.

Cece92 · 05/11/2024 22:21

What a shame ☹️ If you suspect his ears are sore a nice warm flannel over them. I always had to have one with earache and my daughters the same. Unfortunately I've always found ibuprofen better for earache. Hopefully it isn't CP and he can get some xxx

DieStrassensindimmernass · 05/11/2024 22:20

lasagnelle · 05/11/2024 22:18

I'd phone 111

OP already has phoned them, but if something has changed significantly then she could call again.

lasagnelle · 05/11/2024 22:18

I'd phone 111

DieStrassensindimmernass · 05/11/2024 22:17

lochmaree · 05/11/2024 22:15

Yeah it's 4 doses in 24hrs. Usually in this situation I would stagger with ibuprofen but I can't with CP. I know that the 4 x 7.5ml is not the upper limit of what they can have at his weight but also don't want to be reckless with it.

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It's horrible to see your child suffer but I'd personally try to hold off any more doses, unless explicitly advised by a medical professional. I hope you get some advice soon and that he feels better soon too.

Original poster
lochmaree · 05/11/2024 22:16

Ok thank you all. I will hold off Calpol and try the wheat bag.

OP posts:
fourelementary · 05/11/2024 22:15

It’s not ideal but it’s not the end of the world as a once off. The doses tend to be on the lower side in general than the mg per kg allowance. Try a warm hot water bottle on a towel or blanket and lie on it with sore ear on the warmth…

Original poster
lochmaree · 05/11/2024 22:15

DieStrassensindimmernass · 05/11/2024 22:12

The dosing information is on the bottle/box - I wouldn't give him any more than the recommended dosage tbh.
www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/how-and-when-to-give-paracetamol-for-children/

Edited
Show quote history

Yeah it's 4 doses in 24hrs. Usually in this situation I would stagger with ibuprofen but I can't with CP. I know that the 4 x 7.5ml is not the upper limit of what they can have at his weight but also don't want to be reckless with it.

OP posts:
ShowOfHands · 05/11/2024 22:15

He can't have more until the morning as he's at the maximum dose. Hopefully medical advice will help.

Have you tried a wheat bag for his ears? Mine liked to sleep on my lap with my hand over their ear when they had ear pain. I think the warmth and comfort must have helped.

AttachmentFTW · 05/11/2024 22:14

No. Only ever four doses of paracetamol in 24 hours. That goes for children and adults. I am so sorry your little one is in so much pain but you don't want to damage his liver on top of everything else.

HeliosPurple · 05/11/2024 22:14

Always always follow the correct dosage with paracetamol. If the temperature is a worry call 111 again or go to A&E. Definitely don't give over the dosage amount.

DieStrassensindimmernass · 05/11/2024 22:12

lochmaree · 05/11/2024 22:10

Sorry posting for traffic. 2yo suspected chicken pox but also keeps holding his ears, had Calpol today 4am, 8am, 12/1pm and 6pm. He's just been up screaming for half an hour (very unlike him). 111 put me on a list for a call within 6 hrs. Can't give ibuprofen because suspect CP. Does anyone know if a 5th dose of calpol is ok? He's gone back into a restless sleep for now so I would hold off as long as poss.

The dosing information is on the bottle/box - I wouldn't give him any more than the recommended dosage tbh.
www.nhs.uk/medicines/paracetamol-for-children/how-and-when-to-give-paracetamol-for-children/