Question 1

What is the paracetamol dose for children?

Accepted Answer

The recommended dose is **10–15 mg/kg per dose**, every 4–6 hours, with a maximum of *4 doses in 24 hours*. The maximum single dose is *1,000 mg* and the maximum daily dose is *4,000 mg* (or 75 mg/kg/day, whichever is lower). Always use the child's *current weight* to calculate the dose.

Question 2

What is the difference between paracetamol and acetaminophen?

Accepted Answer

**Paracetamol** and **acetaminophen** are the same drug — paracetamol is the *International Nonproprietary Name (INN)* and is used in the UK, Europe, and Australia; acetaminophen is the name used in the USA and Canada. *Tylenol, Calpol, Panadol, and Disprol* are common brand names for the same compound.

Question 3

Why should I use weight-based dosing instead of age-based?

Accepted Answer

**Age-based dosing** uses average weight for age as a proxy, which systematically *underdoses heavier children* and *overdoses lighter ones*. Weight-based dosing ensures the child receives exactly the dose appropriate for their actual body size, minimising both underdosing (inadequate effect) and overdosing (toxicity risk).

Question 4

Can I give paracetamol every 4 hours?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the *minimum interval* between doses is **4 hours**. However, a maximum of *4 doses in any 24-hour period* must not be exceeded regardless of the interval used. Giving 6 doses at 4-hour intervals in a 24-hour period (not uncommon if a caregiver loses track) can result in a cumulative daily dose significantly above the safe limit.

Question 5

What should I do if my child accidentally gets too much paracetamol?

Accepted Answer

**Seek medical advice immediately** — even if the child appears well. Call a Poison Control Centre or go to the nearest emergency department. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Early treatment with *N-acetylcysteine (NAC)* is highly effective if given within 8 hours, but hepatotoxicity may not be reversible once it develops.

Question 6

Is paracetamol safe for babies under 3 months?

Accepted Answer

Paracetamol is **not recommended for routine use** in infants under 3 months without medical assessment. Fever in very young infants may indicate serious infection and requires clinical evaluation. If paracetamol is to be used in this age group, it should only be on medical advice with dose specified by a healthcare provider.

Question 7

Does paracetamol reduce fever in children?

Accepted Answer

**Yes** — paracetamol is an effective antipyretic in children, typically reducing fever by *1–1.5°C* within 30–60 minutes of administration. However, treating fever in children is primarily about *improving comfort*, not about the temperature number — fever itself is rarely dangerous in otherwise healthy children.

Paracetamol Pediatric
Calculator

Important Notice Before Use

Paracetamol Pediatric
Calculator

Important Notice Before Use