Calpol

Health and Nutrition > Medicines > C



How does it work?

Calpol suspensions, suspension sachets and fastmelts all contain the active ingredient paracetamol, which is a simple painkilling medicine used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever. (NB. Paracetamol is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.

Despite its widespread use for over 100 years, we still don't fully understand how paracetamol works to relieve pain and reduce fever. However, it is now thought that it works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain and spinal cord.

Prostaglandins are produced by the body in response to injury and certain diseases. One of their actions is to sensitise nerve endings, so that when the injury is stimulated it causes pain (presumably to prevent us from causing further harm to the area). As paracetamol reduces the production of these nerve sensitising prostaglandins it is thought it may increase our pain threshold, so that although the injury remains, we can feel it less.

It is thought paracetamol reduces fever by affecting an area of the brain that regulates our body temperature (the hypothalamic heat-regulating center).

Paracetamol is about as effective as aspirin at relieving mild to moderate pain and reducing fever, but unlike aspirin it has no anti-inflammatory effect.

Paracetamol can be used to relieve mild to moderate pain associated with conditions such as headaches, toothache, teething, colds and flu. It is also useful for reducing fever and discomfort associated with colds and flu and following vaccinations.

Calpol preparations contain children's doses of paracetamol. Calpol fastmelts are tablets that disperse on the tongue to form a paste that can be swallowed without the need for water, although they can also be dispersed in a teaspoonful of water or milk.

What is it used for?

- Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache, teething or sore throat
- Fever (pyrexia)
- Relieving aches, pains and fever associated with colds and flu or following vaccinations

Warning!

- Different preparations of Calpol are suitable for children of different ages. Make sure you use the correct preparation and dose for your child. Calpol fastmelts and six plus suspension are not suitable for children under six years of age. Do not exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine.
- This medicine must not be given with any other paracetamol containing products.
- An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys. You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine. Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose with this medicine, even if your child seems well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.
- If symptoms persist consult your doctor.

Use with caution in

- Decreased kidney function
- Decreased liver function

Not to be used in

- Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient.
- Calpol fastmelts contain phenylalanine and should not be given to children with an inherited disorder of protein metabolism called phenylketonuria.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used during pregnancy.
- Small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk, however there are no known harmful effects when it is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Label warnings

- Do not give this medication with any other products containing paracetamol.
- Refer to the printed instructions for maximum daily intake.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use © Copyright 1998 - 2009 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved