Paracetamol is a common painkiller for children. It's often used to treat headaches, stomach ache, earache, and cold symptoms. It can also be used to bring down a high temperature (fever).
Paracetamol for children is available as tablets or as a syrup.
Paracetamol also comes as suppositories (medicine that you push gently into your child's bottom). Suppositories are useful to relieve pain and a high temperature in children who find it difficult to swallow tablets or syrup, or who are being sick a lot.
You can give your child a suppository from the age of 3 months.
Paracetamol tablets (including soluble tablets), syrup and suppositories are available on prescription and to buy from shops and pharmacies.
For over-16s, find out more about paracetamol for adults.
Key facts
- Paracetamol for children comes in different strengths, including 2 strengths of syrup. The strength and dosage depends on your child's age (and sometimes weight), so always check the instructions carefully.
- Your child should start to feel better about 30 minutes after taking tablets or syrup. Suppositories can take up to 60 minutes to work fully.
- Do not give your child any other medicines that contain paracetamol. These include some cough and cold medicines, so check the ingredients carefully.
- Paracetamol for children is a common medicine, but it can be dangerous if your child takes too much. Be careful to keep it out of your child's reach.
- Give paracetamol to your child if they are in pain.
- You can give paracetamol to your child if they have a high temperature and they feel distressed or unwell.