Calpol Sugar Free Infant Suspension (100ml)

Product Summary

Calpol Sugar-Free Infant Suspension Liquid is a strawberry-flavoured oral suspension for children. It relieves the symptoms of fever, cold and flu, teething, headache, toothache, earache, sore throat and other aches and pains.

Dosage Instructions

Babies 2–3 months:

For the relief of fever after vaccinations after 2 months:

• Babies 2-3 months: give 2.5 ml.
• If necessary, give a second 2.5 ml dose after 4-6 hours
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses. If your baby still needs this medicine two days after receiving the vaccine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Pain and other causes of fever – refer to the dosage instructions:

• Babies aged 2-3 months: 2.5 ml
• If necessary, give a second 2.5 ml dose after 4–6 hours.
• Do not give to babies less than 2 months of age.
• Only give if your baby weighs over 4 kg and was born after 37 weeks.
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not give more than 2 doses.
• This is to ensure that any fever due to a serious infection is quickly diagnosed.
• If your child is still feverish after two doses, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Children from 3 months to 6 years:

• 3-6 months: 2.5 ml up to 4 times (in 24 hours).
• 6-24 months: 5 ml up to 4 times (in 24 hours).
• 2-4 years: 7.5 ml (5 ml + 2.5 ml) up to 4 times (in 24 hours).
• 4-6 years: 10 ml (5 ml + 5 ml) up to 4 times (in 24 hours).
• Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24 hour period.
• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• Do not give this medicine to your child for more than 3 days without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist.

It is important to shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before use.

Ingredients

• The active ingredient is Paracetamol 120 mg per 5 ml.
• Other ingredients are Maltitol liquid, glycerol, polysorbate 80, sorbitol solution (E420), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214), dispersible cellulose, xanthan gum and purified water.
• The flavouring is strawberry (containing propylene glycol (E1520) and benzyl alcohol) and colouring is carmoisine (E122).

Warnings and Restrictions

Contains paracetamol. Do not give anything else containing paracetamol while giving this medicine.

Talk to a doctor at once if your child takes too much of this medicine, even if they seem well.

This medicine is suitable for most people but a few people should not use it. If you are in any doubt, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Do not give your child this medicine if:

• they have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients
• they are taking anything else with paracetamol in it
• they have has serious kidney or liver problems.
• they have an inherited intolerance to fructose or has been diagnosed with an intolerance to some other sugars.

Taking other medicines

As with all medicines, if your child is currently taking any other medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Always refer to the instructions on the leaflet.

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Check that the cap on the bottle is securely engaged at all times.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Why should I use Calpol?

Parents trust Calpol for a reason. It's been a leading infant pain and fever top pick for decades. But taking it correctly isn't about ticking the box on the dosage instruction - it's about understanding why each guideline exists. From age guidelines to weight-based safety thresholds, this isn't a product that you take a chance on. Babies' bodies process drugs differently, and Calpol's sugar-free formulation is developed with that in mind.

What does sugar-free mean?

Most parents who seek "sugar-free baby medicine" assume it's completely neutral. This suspension, however, uses sugar substitutes like maltitol and sorbitol to make it palatable. These sweeteners are usually well-tolerated but in children with particular digestive sensitivities or fructose intolerance may lead to bloating or diarrhoea. If your child has shown symptoms of digestive upset with other sweet liquids, it's worth checking this point.

The strawberry flavour is not just for marketing purposes - it's a functional solution to get babies and toddlers to take their medicine willingly. That being said, this flavouring agent contains propylene glycol and benzyl alcohol safe in small amounts but nice to be aware of if your child is preterm, weighs less than 4 kg, or has known sensitivities.

Can Calpol be taken with Nurofen Child

Nurofen for children (ibuprofen) is suitable to be taken with Calpol as they have different active ingredients. However it is always important not to double dose with other medication. One of the most common accidental overdoses in children occurs from stacking medicines. Parents might resort to teething gels, cold syrups, or other pain relievers and not realize they also contain paracetamol. Always read active ingredients, and never assume that two products can be safely mixed together because they're both "for children."

How to get the most out of Calpol

Shaking the bottle for 10 seconds is not nice; it's a need to do. Infant suspensions will separate over time, which means the medicine will settle to the bottom. Pouring without shaking can make the dose either too weak or too strong, upsetting symptom control and leading to under- or over-medication. A firm shake ensures correct delivery every single time.

When to Speak to your doctor

If your child has a long-term condition, is on regular medication, or has a history of allergic reactions, don’t rely on guesswork. Calpol is widely available, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the right fit. Talking to a pharmacist can uncover safer options, especially if you’re treating symptoms like teething pain, cold-related fevers, or ear discomfort that keeps recurring.