How much Calpol is too much for a 6 month old?

[milkmonster]

My 6 month old's just got over mild Chicken Pox a couple of weeks ago caught from his 2.5 year old sister.

Then we had mild Carbon Monoxide poisoning after a leak from our woodburner so he's had a chesty cough for weeks

now he's got a very snuffly, mucus-y common cold on top of it which is affecting his breastfeeding slightly as he's only feeding for 5-10 mins every couple of hours, though plenty of wet nappies (just no poops).

He's also teething badly.

So, I'm dosing him with Calpol or own brand equivalents one 5ml spoonful about twice-three times a day, plus he has a little on his teether 3- 4 times a day.

This stuff really does knock him for six and he's getting increasingly lethargic, those he's still alert and responsive in the brief respite when the teething pain abates, but does anyone know if this is too much medicine? NHS Direct is too long-winded.

Thanks guys

I read that you should only give calpol if their temp is 39 or over as should only be used to bring down a potentially dangerous temp and not just for general use.

Have you tried anbesol for teething? It's very effective IME.

read the calpol box and it will tell you the dose. You shouldn't be giving more than 4 2.5-5ml doses in any 24hr period and if you have done then you need to stop doing so and consult a gp.
Not sure if your post is genuine as surely you would check the medicine box before just giving it to your baby?

to clarify that is a max of four lots of 2.5-5ml doses in a 24hr period

yes too much IMO

absolute max for a 3-12mo is 5ml 4 times a day for no more than 3 days in a row, and he is closer to the lower end of the age range

use chilled teethers / cold flannels / bonjela for the pain

calpol won't help the cold anyway.

Not sure if the post is genuine? Exsqueeze me?

Of course I'm dosing according to advice, my question is do you other mums also have experience of dosing this amount given all the above criteria little bub is suffering or in your opinion think it's too much?

Calpol is not neccessarily the only one used, usually supermarket own-brand equivalents.

I think you should consult your GP because he is lethargic and not feeding well.

calpol shouldn't cause lethargy ime

Whether it's calpol or supermarket own brand if it's got paracetamol in it you should still only use it for a temperature, and not general symptoms of illness.

Here

OK, so he's having the recommended 5ml spoonful 2-3 times a day, though the box states up to 4 times a day, but it's the extra on the teether 3-4 times a day which might take it over the limit, though I suppose only about half a ml is doused on the teether each time, so that's a total of ..er hang on..2mls?? Right I think the maths computes, it's not overdosing. I'll get some Bonjela, though he hates it!

shoulditakethisjob

www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article4783572.ece

Don't get me started on the Asthma Conspiracy!

I don't think they recommend that amount, just say not to exceed it.

Agree with Belgo, if he's still not well take him to the doctor. Does he have a temp?

if he hates Bonjela try calgel or dentinox or any of the other brands
but the cold things really really work

From your OP your baby is having too much Calpol.

Do what you like then.

Never heard anything so ridiculous as giving a child calpol for a cold if they don't have a fever though.

I am sorry but you are NOT dosing per advice.

Why are you putting paracetamol on his teether anyway?

Well, it's under the recommended dose, FabIsGoingToBeFabIn2010 .

Mild temp, nothing serious. It fluctuates.

Why are you asking us then?

He hates Bonjela? He is a baby fgs. It takes a second to put it on the gum.

shoulditakethisjob It says on the packet, suitable for temeperatures, symptoms of coughs and colds...

FabIsGoingToBeFabIn2010 If I'm dosing him 2-3 times a day and it recommends up to 4, how is that not dosing per advice please?

I only questioned the post as it seemed an odd thing to be asking tbh.
Given your description of symptoms, it's giving more Calpol than the symptoms require IMO and unless ds has a temperature which won't come down, giving regular doses isn't necessary.
If ds it getting more and more lethargic then he needs to be checked by a gp as calpol usually perks children up, not the other way round. Hope he gets better soon.

You are giving him calpol 2-3 times a day AND 3-4 times a day on his teether. Not right.

shoulditakethisjob :Why are you asking us then?

because this is a forum for general views and advice...and often our individual experiences eclipse that of the recommened advice

are you usuing calpol for pain or sedative?you know you are over medicating him,and calpol on teether isnt recommended

cold is viral and calopl wont help it,it can only address symptoms.but ongoing calopl is bad idea