children that helps relieve pain and high temperature.
You can buy most types from
shops and pharmacies, but some types are only available with a prescription.
Information:
This information is for children aged 17 years or under. There's separate
information about paracetamol for adults.
What paracetamol is for
Paracetamol can help with lots of types of pain that can affect children, such as:
aches and pains
teething pain
earache
sore throat
pain from a cold and flu
Paracetamol can also help if your child is distressed or uncomfortable because they
have a high temperature (fever).
How to give paracetamol and how much to give (dose)
There are several types of paracetamol for children, including:
liquid (also called oral suspension)
tablets and capsules
suppositories (long, narrow tablets you put into your child's bottom)
How you give it and how much to give depends on the type of paracetamol, your
child's age and sometimes their weight.
Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist,
doctor or nurse at your GP surgery for advice if you're not sure how to use it or
your child has problems taking it.
How to give common types of paracetamol for children
Infant liquid (oral suspension): 120mg/5ml
Six plus liquid (oral suspension): 250mg/5ml
250mg melting tablets
500mg tablets or capsules
Important
Do not give this medicine to your child for more than 3 days without speaking to a
doctor or pharmacist.
If you give your child too much paracetamol
If your child has had an extra dose of paracetamol, it's important to get medical
advice because it can sometimes be dangerous.
Urgent advice:Get help from NHS 111 if:
you've given your child more paracetamol than it says on the packet, leaflet or
prescription
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online. Call 111 for a child under 5 years
old.
Information:
If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and
ask for an ambulance.
Bring the paracetamol packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any
other medicines your child takes.
Video: how to give medicine to a child using an oral syringe
This video describes how to give medicine to a child using an oral syringe.
TranscriptTranscript
Play VideoDisplays the text version below the video
Media last reviewed: 17 July 2025
Media review due: 17 July 2028
Information:
More advice about giving medicine to children
How to give different types of medicines (Medicines for Children website)
Side effects of paracetamol
Children do not usually get any side effects after taking paracetamol.
Serious side effects
Rarely, paracetamol can cause serious side effects.
Serious side effects in children can include:
an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – causing symptoms such as a swollen throat or
tongue, a raised and itchy rash, and difficulty breathing
a problem with their liver – causing symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea) and
their skin or white part of their eyes turning yellow (jaundice), but this may be
harder to notice on black or brown skin
a problem with their blood cells – causing symptoms such as bruising easily and
nosebleeds
Urgent advice:Call NHS 111 if:
you've given your child paracetamol and think they might be having serious side
effects
Information:
More about side effects
These are not all the serious side effects of paracetamol.
For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your
medicine on the electronic medicines compendium (EMC) website.
You can report any side effects your child gets on the Yellow Card website
Who can and cannot take paracetamol
Most children over 2 months old can take paracetamol.
But paracetamol is not suitable for all children. For example, it may not be
suitable if your child:
has had an allergic reaction to paracetamol before
has a kidney or liver condition
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with the medicine to see if it's suitable
for your child. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if you're not sure they should take
it.
Giving paracetamol with other medicines, food and drink
There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with
paracetamol.
This includes:
other medicine containing paracetamol, such as cold and flu medicine
medicines that stop you being sick, including metoclopramide and domperidone
the antibiotic flucloxacillin
Check the packet or leaflet that comes with