How Safe Is Paracetamol for Children?

While having a high temperature is not always a bad thing, as it may assist the immunity of your body. It can make you feel very uncomfortable and anxious. This is actually the case for children and can lead to disturbing nights for parents. But it is vital to know that while taking Paracetamol may make people feel comfortable, it does not influence the actual course of the underlying disease.

Paracetamol is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications, in particular for mild illnesses that a lot of children now suffer from. However, it is not always used in the right dosage that can make it dangerous or less effective.

How Can Paracetamol Be Given for Children?

Paracetamol for children is available all over the world as:

  1. Liquid formulations (for example – suspensions or elixirs)
  2. Tablets (for example – chewable and soluble tablets) and
  3. Suppositories.

Make Sure the Dose Is Correct

If used correctly, Paracetamol is a valuable medicine for children to feel more comfortable if they have pain and minor illnesses. Knowing and verifying the usual dosages is essential for parents to use it effectively and safely. The usual dose of Paracetamol for children depends on their weight. According to your child’s weight, you should always administer the dose that is written on the bottle or package.

Calculating Dosage

The correct dose of Paracetamol is 10 to 15 mg per kilogram of child’s weight. On the other hand, if a child weighs 18 to 20 kg, it should have 10 to 15 mg x 20, which is 200 to 300 mg. This dosage can be taken once every 5 to 6 hours, a maximum of four times in 24 hours when required. Actually, all Paracetamol Products for children have clear advice on the packaging or container that describes the correct dosage of tablets, liquid, or suppositories to provide.

It is always suggested to provide the lowest dose that is very efficient for the shortest time. You should never exceed the suggested dose without the instruction of your doctor. Kids shouldn’t take a total of more than 65 mg per kilogram of their body weight in 24 hours. Caution is required never to exceed the paracetamol dose for adults 4000 mg/day, which may happen whether a weight-based dose is useful to children weighing more than 60 kg. Click here!

Be Careful When Using Liquid Preparations

Sometimes problems can get up due to confusion between the ways things are measured. Keep in mind that “mL” is a measure of liquid volume and “mg” is a measure of weight. It is vital to follow the instructions on the container when providing Paracetamol in liquid form, as not all brands have similar strengths.

Paracetamol is available now in various strengths for different age groups. You must check the instructions of the dosage on the bottle. Be sure to use the measuring device that comes with your medicine to make sure you are giving the usual dose.

Safe Use of Paracetamol for Children

It is vital to see if other medicines your child has taken contain Paracetamol as well as to see if another caregiver has provided your child a dose of Paracetamol. Keep in mind that Paracetamol for Children can take up to 60 minutes to work.

When to See the Doctor

Paracetamol can aid your child feel comfortable, however, it does not treat the reason for their symptoms. The intake of Paracetamol does not influence the real course of the underlying disease, its severity, or its outcome.

When your child is clearly ill and has already moderate to severe pain that lasts for more than some hours, or has been in need of Paracetamol for more than 24 hours, you must consult your doctor. If you need to know more, check out https://www.eastrivervet.com/does-paracetamol-in-pregnancy-cause-child-behavioral-problems/