Description
A liquid oral formulation of paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) intended for pain relief and fever reduction, especially in children or persons who have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Prescription
Over-the-counter (OTC)
Therapeutic Category
Analgesic / Antipyretic (Pain reliever and fever reducer)
Active Ingredients / Composition
- Active: Paracetamol (acetaminophen) — the concentration is often given as mg per mL (e.g. 120 mg/5 mL in some pediatric elixirs)
- Inactive/excipients may include: ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, sorbitol, flavorings, colorants, stabilizers, etc. (as seen in pediatric elixir formulations)
Variant
Liquid form / oral suspension (“elixir”). The “125 mL” refers to the bottle volume (i.e. the container size). The strength (mg/mL) depends on the product variant.
Consume Type
Oral — swallowed (liquid to be measured via dosing spoon, syringe or cup).
Directions / Usage
- Shake well before use.
- Use the dosing device provided (spoon, syringe).
- Dosing is based on age or weight. For example, in UK pediatric elixirs of 120 mg/5 mL:
• 3–6 months: 2.5 mL every 4–6 hours (max 4 doses in 24 h)
• 6–24 months: 5 mL every 4–6 hours, up to 4 doses
• 2–4 years: 7.5 mL every 4–6 hours (with maximum)
• And so on for older children per the dosing table in product leaflets.
- Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours for most pediatric formulations.
- Use for the shortest duration necessary.
- Avoid using other paracetamol-containing products concurrently.
Common Side Effects
- Usually well tolerated when used properly.
- Possible side effects: skin rash, allergic reactions (rare), mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some cases.
- In overdose or misuse: risk of serious liver damage, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, elevated liver enzymes.
Package Type
- Bottle (amber or opaque) with child-resistant cap.
- Dosing spoon or syringe often included.
- Labeling and carton insert with dosing instructions.
Storage Advice
- Store below a specified temperature (often < 25 °C).
- Keep in original container.
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Do not use past expiry date.
Safety Advice
- Do not exceed recommended dose.
- Avoid use in severe liver disease or severe renal impairment.
- Be cautious with alcohol consumption (liver risk).
- Avoid combining with other paracetamol-containing medications.
- In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention (paracetamol toxicity can be delayed).
- Use in pregnancy or breastfeeding only after medical advice (paracetamol is generally considered safer among analgesics in these settings but should be used cautiously).
- Monitor for signs of allergy (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).
- In children, do not use longer than recommended without consulting a doctor (often not more than 3 days)
- Check for excipient warnings (e.g. sugar content, ethanol content) especially in pediatric or sensitive patients.
Product Substitutes
Other brands of paracetamol (acetaminophen) oral liquid, such as:
- Pediatric paracetamol syrup / suspension
- Other brand-name elixirs
- Solutions or suspensions in equivalent strength
Manufacturer / Marketer
This depends on the brand in your country. For example:
- In the UK, “Paediatric Paracetamol Elixir BP” is marketed by Pinewood Laboratories Ltd.
- Bell’s Paracetamol Elixir is made by Bell’s Healthcare (UK) for export markets.
Country of Origin
Depends on the brand — e.g. Pinewood Laboratories (Ireland/UK for UK market) for the UK elixir version.
Bell’s Healthcare version is from the UK.
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