A video about the safe use of paracetamol for children.
Source: Healthify
transcribeTranscript
If your child is in pain or is feeling miserable, paracetamol is a medicine that can help them feel better. But giving too much can be a bit dangerous.
My name is Giovanna, and I'm a nurse, and I'm going to be sharing some helpful tips on how to use paracetamol safely.
Paracetamol can be given to children and babies over 3 months old, but if your baby is under 3 months, take them to the doctor first before giving them paracetamol.
It can be given if your child needs pain relief for an ear infection or a headache or if they're feeling miserable. But it doesn't need to be given if they have a mild fever. Fever is your body's way of fighting an infection and just a fever alone doesn't need to be treated.
And if your child is getting a vaccination, you don't need to give them paracetamol just in case they feel miserable—wait and see if they need it first.
Don't give your child paracetamol for more than 2 days without seeking medical advice. But if your child has been really unwell and you're concerned, ring or take them in to see the doctor.
Paracetamol is available as liquid or tablets. The liquid form is commonly known as Pamol. It's available in two strengths—120 mg in 5 mL and 250 mg in 5 mL.
Before giving, check that the amount you have is the correct dose for the strength of paracetamol that you have.
Paracetamol is found in other medicines you may have bought in the chemist, so make sure you know what is in each one so you don't risk accidentally doubling up.
The medicine in the bottle tends to settle at the bottom, so before opening, mix it well by turning it over and back a few times.
Measure your paracetamol using an oral syringe or a measuring cup. Don't use just a spoon, as it might give you the wrong amount.
The right dose depends on the strength of paracetamol you are using and your child's weight. So before using paracetamol, you need to know your child's weight, then check the dosing table or follow the instructions on the prescription bottle.
Keep a record of how much paracetamol you give your child and the time that you've given it.
As your child grows, the dose of paracetamol will be increased based on your child's weight. So be sure that you are giving the correct dose.
Don't give more than four doses of paracetamol within a 24-hour period, and wait at least 4 hours between each dose.
If someone else is caring for your child, make sure you know what other medicines they've had and the time that they were given.
Keep all medicines out of sight and reach of the children—ideally in a locked cupboard.
Paracetamol doesn't need to be kept chilled, so you don't need to keep it in the fridge where children can easily get it. Also, check that it has a child-resistant cap. Ask your pharmacist about this.
When your child is sick, encourage them to rest or play quietly. Make sure that they are warm but not too hot. Encourage them to drink small sips of water regularly.
Used correctly, paracetamol is a safe and useful medicine to help your child feel better. But too much of this can damage your child's liver. If there's any chance that your child has had too much paracetamol, call your doctor or your nurse or the Poisons Centre immediately – 0800 764 766.
For more information about how much paracetamol to give your child, go to healthify.nz/paracetamol-children or use the Healthify paracetamol dose calculator https://healthify.nz/paracetamol-dose-calculator.
Key points about the safe use of paracetamol in children
- paracetamol is a medicine to help reduce pain and fever
- only give paracetamol if it's necessary
- if your child has a fever but is otherwise well, you don't need to give paracetamol
- if your child is miserable because of the fever, you can give paracetamol to make them more comfortable
- before each dose, check if your child still needs it
- know the right dose to give and check the strength on the bottle
- give no more than 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours
- check other medicines your child is taking - they may have paracetamol in them
- too much paracetamol can be dangerous
Always read the label and give your child the right dose based on your child's weight and the strength of paracetamol.
Always measure doses exactly. Ask your pharmacist or nurse for an oral syringe - to give your child medicine by mouth.
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol is a medicine to help reduce pain and fever.
Paracetamol has many brand names (including Pamol® and Panadol®).
When used correctly, paracetamol is a safe and useful medicine to help your child feel better.
When to use paracetamol
Only give paracetamol if it's necessary. Follow the instructions on the bottle or prescription.
Paracetamol is best used for tamariki and pēpi who are:
- in pain
- miserable with a fever (a temperature over 38 degrees Celsius)
- over 3 months old
For babies under 3 months old with a fever, see a health professional.
Paracetamol and vaccination
If your baby is having the MenB (Bexsero) vaccine, they are more likely to get a fever afterwards. Your health professional will make sure your baby gets the right dose of paracetamol for their vaccination. This will help lower any fever and help your baby feel more comfortable.
Check the advice about paracetamol for fever after MenB vaccination.
Meningococcal B Disease Vaccination
The correct dose of paracetamol for your child
- the dose of paracetamol depends on your child's weight and the strength of the paracetamol you have
- weigh your child, then check the dosing table below
- always measure doses exactly - ask your health professional for an oral syringe
- check the strength of the paracetamol you have
- check other medicines your child is taking - they may have paracetamol in them
Printable paracetamol dose guide and dose record
Download and print a paracetamol dose guide and dose record for your child. Share them with whānau and anyone else who is caring for your child.
The dose guide helps you to work out the correct dose for your child based on their weight and based on the strength of the paracetamol.
The dose record helps you track how many doses of paracetamol your child has had.
Preview
A printable liquid paracetamol dose guide and dose record for babies and children.
Source: KidsHealth
Download and print the resource
Source: KidsHealth
If your child is over 33 kgs and can safely swallow a paracetamol tablet, follow the instructions on the box.
What to do before giving another dose of paracetamol
- check how your child is feeling
- make sure it has been at least 4 hours since the last dose
- keep a record of the doses you give your child - check when you gave the last dose, before giving it again
- don't give paracetamol more than 4 times in 24 hours
If someone else has been caring for your child, ask if they gave your child paracetamol, how much and when. Before your child has another dose, check when they last had one. See a printable dose guide below. You can also use a paracetamol dose calculator.
Make sure it's been at least 4 hours since the last dose. Don't give paracetamol more than 4 times in 24 hours. Too much paracetamol can damage the liver.
Storing paracetamol safely in your home
To store paracetamol safely in your home, make sure you:
- keep it in a high place out of reach and out of sight of tamariki
- store it in a locked or latched cupboard
- have a child-resistant cap on the bottle - check with your pharmacist
What to do if your child has too much paracetamol
Too much paracetamol can damage your child's liver. Tamariki that have had too much paracetamol need urgent medical help.
If you think your child has had too much paracetamol, get medical help immediately.
More resources
The paracetamol dose calculator on the Healthify website can also help you calculate the correct paracetamol dose for your child.
