Children’s Sore Throat Kit (for children 6 years plus)

Product Summary

Calpol SixPlus Suspension Sugar-Free is a strawberry-flavored oral suspension used for the relief of:

• fever (raised temperature)
• post-immunisation fever
• cold & flu symptoms
• toothache, headache, sore throat, earache and other aches and pains.

Dosage Instructions

• Children 6-8 years: 5 ml up to 4 times a day.

• Children 8-10 years: 7.5 ml (5 ml + 2.5 ml) up to 4 times a day.

• Children 10-12 years: 10 ml (5 ml + 5 ml) up to 4 times a day.

• Children 12-16 years: 10 - 15 ml (two to three 5 ml doses) up to 4 times a day.

• Adults and children over 16 years: 10 - 20 ml (two to four 5 ml doses) up to 4 times a day.

• 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.

Ingredients

• The active ingredient is Paracetamol 250 mg per 5 ml.
• Other ingredients are Maltitol, sorbitol liquid (E420), glycerol, dispersible cellulose, xanthan gum, polysorbate 80, methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E216), acesulfame potassium, saccharin sodium and purified water.
• The flavouring is imitation strawberry.

Warnings and Restrictions

This medicine is intended for most children aged over 6 years. Contains paracetamol.

• Do not give this medicine along with any other paracetamol-containing products.
• Seek immediate medical advice in the event of an overdose, even if the child seems well.
• If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
• As with all medicines, if your child is currently taking any other medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.

Storage

Do not store above 25°C.

Store in the original package.

Do not use after the end of the month shown as an expiry date on the packaging.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste.

Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use.

These measures will help protect the environment.

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Pharmacist FAQs Answered

Why is Calpol SixPlus Sugar-Free different from infant Calpol?

Calpol SixPlus Suspension contains a more powerful paracetamol strength (250 mg in each 5 ml) than infant Calpol (typically 120 mg in each 5 ml). This higher strength is formulated especially for children aged 6 years and over, so it will be able to work effectively to relieve symptoms by requiring less liquid per dose. Do not use in children under 6 years old.

Why is Calpol SixPlus Sugar-Free sugar-free?

This product is sugar-free and thus is more suitable for young children who must be on a controlled sugar diet, such as children with diabetes or children who have to avoid sugar for dental or medical reasons. It uses sweeteners maltitol and sorbitol that are gentler on the teeth but have a mild laxative action in some children if overused.

Can Calpol SixPlus be administered with or without food?

Yes, Calpol SixPlus Suspension can be administered with or without food. It is normally not harsh on the stomach. But in some cases, it may be useful to administer with a little bit of food or fluid for those children who have sensitive taste or texture.

Is Calpol SixPlus Suspension suitable to take together with antibiotics?

Paracetamol (the active constituent) is usually safe to take with most antibiotics and general medicines. Yet, you would do well to consult a pharmacist or doctor first before taking it with:

• Other paracetamol preparations
• Anti-epileptic medications
• Warfarin or other anti-blood thinning medications (if taken continuously)

Certain anti-nausea medications, even herbal remedies and medication may interact, so just look quickly as a precaution.

What if a dose is missed?

If a child has missed a dose, simply give the next one at its due time, as long as it has been 4 hours since the previous dose. Never double the dose for a missed dose so that the child's risk of accidental overdose increases.

Can Calpol SixPlus be used for teething in older children?

Yes, in children over 6, Calpol SixPlus can relieve pain due to teething if accompanied by swelling, sore gums, or fever. But most teething occurs below the age of 3, so this is usually less likely.

Is it suitable for children with swallowing difficulties?

Calpol SixPlus is a liquid that can be taken orally, which could be easier to swallow than tablets. It can be poured slowly with a syringe or spoon, and the strawberry flavour could also encourage children unwilling to take medicine. Discuss with your local pharmacist if your child has difficulty swallowing or sensory aversions, as there may be other suitable alternatives or ways to assist them.

Can adults take Calpol SixPlus?

Yes, adults can use Calpol SixPlus Suspension if needed. The dose is 10–20 ml four times a day, up to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours. Adults might find tablets or capsules more convenient because they are more convenient to swallow and cheaper for long-term use.

Side effects of sweeteners

Because Calpol SixPlus contains maltitol and sorbitol, an excess of the recommended dose produces slight stomach discomfort or diarrhoea in sensitive children. This is harmless but may be noticeable in those children who take multiple doses daily.

How much is the right amount?

Accurate dosing is required for safety and effectiveness. Always take the medication with the measuring spoon or syringe provided with the drug, not with household teaspoons, which are different sizes. Shake the bottle well before each use.

How to monitor temperature?

If you're using Calpol to help get rid of a fever, taking your child's temperature at regular intervals using a digital thermometer is helpful. If the fever lasts longer than three days or is complicated by other features such as rash, stiff neck, or slowness, consult a doctor.