Calpol
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) · 120 mg/5 ml · syrup
Calpol details
- Active ingredient
- Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
- Strength
- 120 mg/5 ml
- Form
- syrup
- Drug class
- Analgesic / antipyretic
- Manufacturer
- GSK Pakistan
- Registered in
- Pakistan
How does Calpol work?
Acts mainly in the central nervous system to raise the pain threshold and reset the body's temperature set-point, bringing down fever. Unlike an NSAID it has very little anti-inflammatory effect, which is also why it is gentler on the stomach.
How to take Calpol
Adults typically take 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with or without food. Never exceed the daily maximum stated on the pack, usually 4000 mg for adults.
Always follow the dose printed on your pack or given by your prescriber — it can differ from the general guidance above.
Common side effects
- • Generally very well tolerated at recommended doses
- • Occasional nausea
- • Rare skin rash
Seek medical advice
- • Liver damage from overdose — this can occur without early symptoms and is a medical emergency
- • Severe skin reactions (rare)
- • Allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty
Who should be careful with Calpol?
- •Liver disease, or regular alcohol use — a lower maximum applies
- •Check other cold and flu products: many already contain this ingredient, and doubling up is the most common cause of accidental overdose
- •Low body weight or malnutrition
Calpol interactions
- •Warfarin — regular high doses can increase bleeding risk
- •Alcohol — increases the risk of liver injury
- •Other combination products containing the same ingredient
This is not a complete list. Tell your pharmacist about every medicine and supplement you take.
Other brands containing Paracetamol
Frequently asked questions about Calpol
What is Calpol used for?
Calpol contains Paracetamol (Acetaminophen), a Analgesic / antipyretic. Check the package insert for the approved indications in Pakistan.
How does Calpol work?
Acts mainly in the central nervous system to raise the pain threshold and reset the body's temperature set-point, bringing down fever. Unlike an NSAID it has very little anti-inflammatory effect, which is also why it is gentler on the stomach.
How should I take Calpol?
Adults typically take 500-1000 mg every 4-6 hours as needed, with or without food. Never exceed the daily maximum stated on the pack, usually 4000 mg for adults. Always follow the dose on your pack or from your prescriber.
What are the side effects of Calpol?
Common: Generally very well tolerated at recommended doses, Occasional nausea, Rare skin rash. Seek medical advice for: Liver damage from overdose — this can occur without early symptoms and is a medical emergency; Severe skin reactions (rare); Allergic reaction with swelling or breathing difficulty.
Is Calpol available over the counter in Pakistan?
Calpol is generally available without a prescription in Pakistan, but a pharmacist can advise whether it suits you.
What are the alternatives to Calpol?
Other brands containing the same active ingredient in Pakistan include Panadol, Nuberol. They are not always interchangeable — check with a pharmacist.
Identify this medicine from a photo
Not sure the pack in your hand is Calpol? Scan it and get a full report cross-checked against openFDA, RxNorm and DailyMed.
Scan a medicine