What can I give when too old for Calpol and too young for paracemtemol tablets?

[stillbobbysgirl]

The bottle of Calpol (and also Childrens Nurofen) both state 'up to age 9' on the bottle, but the parcetemol and ibuprofen tablets are from age 12 upwards.

Am I missing something here?

I am finding that during current coughs and colds, when my DS1 temp flies up, it needs at least 10ml doses to bring it down, and it really does not last more than 3 hours.

Calpol 6+ does up to 12.

Calpol 6+ goes beyond age 9 doesn't it?

On their website it says for children 6-12 years?

here

I have given dd 6 half a paracetamol tablet before when I ran out of calpol, calpol 6 plus is 250mg in 5 ml and half a paracetamol is 250 mg.

when I was a kid we used to have soluble paracetamol at around that age I think?

Try an own brand which is only paracetamol and you'll probably have an overlap, not a gap. Boots own brand has instructions for doses for the over-6s (0.5 tablet = 250 mg = what's posted above).

You could also check with the pharmacist, whose qualifications cover safe use of OTC medicines.

Boots 6yrs+ Oral Suspension
"6 to 11 years give 5ml to 10ml every 4 to 6 hours, if you need to, up to 4 times in 24 hours"
Medised

As onimolap says, talk to the pharmacist - they may well have other suggestions.

500 g is fine for children 27kg and up- up to 4 a day-that's in France

Boots 500mg is for 12 yo and up, but can be given to 6-11 yo-between half and one -up to 4 a day-same thing as the French one, in the end.

So, yes, you can give the tablets.

Dd1 is 11 & has normal paracetamol so it must say on my packet. Dd2 is 9 & has calpol melts

calprofen goes up to 12, its what we use with DS

here

I'm pretty sure you can give parcetemol tablets from age 6(?), its definitely younger than 12. Does your pack say 12+ ?

There was a thread on the same subject a few weeks ago, and I also found this useful page about paracetamol dosages for children by body weight - you may need to get a calculator out.

Basically, older children can have liquid calpol but you'll need to give them several spoonfuls, or you can try tablets, if they will swallow them. DS (12) still has trouble with swallowing tablets, so I tried the horrendously overpriced calpol fastmelts, which did work for him, but must be one of the most expensive ways of buying paracetamol...

exexpat - as your DS is 12, he can have the hot lemon drinks. They can contain a lot of paracetamol, store own brand ones often have 1000mg. Useful though for older children/adults who don't like tablets.

why can't you have Calpol over the age of 9? DD1 (17) swears it's better than paracetamol tablets as the pink sparkliness makes you feel better more quickly . And I've been known to swig have a couple of spoonfuls when hungover needed (before anyone starts, yes, I do check qualtiies of paracetamol so as not ot overdose, and am a lot more careful with the DC).

Surely paracetamol is paracetamol regardless fo the overpriced quantities of pink sparkliness?

I phoned nurofen and the bottles now go up to the age the tablets start (think it's 12).

I don't think it was me calling that changed it lol but their bottles definitely only used to go up to 9 and the nurofen tablets started at 12.

Calpol do those fastmelts too which are 6+ - the ones that melt in the mouth. In fact there are a lot of paracetamol products suitable for older children.

Is there something other than paracetamol (and sugar, and pink) in calpol then?

Thanks for the tip nannynick - I'll try that next time.

Calpol 6+ Sugar Free (datasheet)
Maltitol Liquid (E965)
Sorbitol Liquid (70% non crystallising) (E420)
Glycerol
Dispersible cellulose
Xanthan gum
Methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218)
Propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216)
Acesulfame potassium
Polysorbate 80
Saccharin Sodium
Strawberry flavour 500286E
Strawberry Cream 11407-33
Purified water

The eMC website is very useful for looking up info on UK licensed medicines.

Calpol makes me feel better more quickly too. I'm sure it's just a placebo effect equating it with cuddles from my mum when I was little, or something.

Placebo effect is lovely, make the most of it!

Calpol 6+ includes guidelines on the packet for adults, so your child can still have it.

I asked my Doc for Calpol when we were there the other day and he said she should be taking tablets now

wasnt sure which he meant!