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24 June 2011
The MHRA has updated current advice on dosing for children’s liquid medicines containing paracetamol. The updated dosing has a larger number of narrower age bands, and defines an exact dose per age band. All paracetamol suspension preparations for children should have the updated instructions by the end of 2011.
Action
All healthcare professionals should be aware of this new advice and follow NICE guidance on feverish illness in children. Pharmacists should ensure that paracetamol supplied on prescription is labelled with the new dosage instructions. Parents or carers purchasing over-the-counter paracetamol for children should be advised to continue to follow the full dosage instructions on the label. When new packs labelled with the updated advice are in stock, parents or carers should be made aware of the new advice on paracetamol dosing.
Why is this change being made?
The change is being made to ensure children get the most optimal dose of paracetamol suitable for their age, and to clarify the exact doses given. The change has not been made on the basis of any safety concerns. Paracetamol continues to be safe and effective for treating short-term pain and fever in children, when used as recommended
What are the changes?
The current and the updated recommendations are shown below. Recommendations for the treatment of post vaccination symptoms in children aged 2–3 months have not changed.
Infant paracetamol suspension (120mg/5ml)
| Current | Updated | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Age
|
Dose
|
How often in 24 hours
|
Age
|
Dose
|
How often in 24 hours
|
|
3 months to under 1 year
|
2.5ml
|
4 times
|
3 – 6 months
|
2.5ml
|
4 times
|
|
1 year to under 6 years
|
5 to 10ml
|
4 times
|
6 – 24 months
|
5ml
|
4 times
|
|
2 – 4 years
|
7.5ml
|
4 times
|
|||
|
4 – 6 years
|
10ml
|
4 times
|
|||
Paracetamol six plus suspension (240mg/5ml or 250mg/5ml)
| Current | Updated | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Age
|
Dose
|
How often in 24 hours
|
Age
|
Dose
|
How often in 24 hours
|
|
6 – 12 years
|
5 to 10ml
|
4 times
|
6 – 8 years
|
5ml
|
4 times
|
|
8 – 10 years
|
7.5ml
|
4 times
|
|||
|
10 – 12 years
|
10ml
|
4 times
|
|||
For more information on paracetamol and its role as an analgesic and antipyretic, see the NPC e-learning materials on pain management and common infections – respiratory tract.
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