Hovid Paracetamol 250mg/5ml Suspension

Hovid Paracetamol 250mg/5ml Suspension is an oral suspension manufactured by Hovid Berhad, a Malaysian pharmaceutical company. Each 5ml of the sugar-free liquid contains 250mg of paracetamol (acetaminophen) as the active ingredient, formulated in a flavoured base that is measured and given using the dosing device supplied in the pack.

As an OTC medicine, this suspension is sold in pharmacies across Malaysia without requiring a doctor’s prescription, though parents and caregivers should still read the package insert carefully and follow the dosing instructions that correspond to their child’s body weight. The suspension should be shaken well before each use to ensure the paracetamol is evenly distributed, and it is sold in bottle sizes including 60ml and 120ml depending on the specific pack.

Hovid Berhad manufactures several paracetamol-based liquid formulations at different strengths for different age groups, including a lower-strength 120mg/5ml suspension that is a separate product from this 250mg/5ml version. Always check the exact strength printed on the carton before dosing, since the two products are not interchangeable and use different measuring volumes for the same weight of child.

Shake the bottle well before each use to ensure the suspension is evenly mixed.

Measure the dose using the calibrated oral syringe or measuring cup supplied with the product. Do not use an ordinary household spoon, as this can lead to an inaccurate dose.

The suspension may be given directly by mouth, or mixed with a small amount of water if needed to help a young child take it. Avoid adding it to a full bottle or cup of milk, as the child may not finish the whole feed and would then not receive the complete dose.

Leave at least 4 hours between doses, and do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.

Do not give this suspension together with any other paracetamol-containing product, including combination cold and flu preparations, as this can lead to an accidental paracetamol overdose.

Dosing for Hovid Paracetamol 250mg/5ml Suspension is based on a child’s body weight, calculated at approximately 15mg of paracetamol per kilogram of body weight per dose, given as needed up to 3 to 4 times a day:

• Body weight around 10kg: approximately 3ml per dose.
• Body weight around 15kg: approximately 4.5ml per dose.
• Body weight around 20kg: approximately 6ml per dose.
• Body weight around 30kg: approximately 9ml per dose.

Doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart, with a maximum of 4 doses given in any 24-hour period. Because a child’s age does not always correspond closely to a specific weight, always dose according to the child’s actual body weight where possible, and use the measuring device and dosing chart printed on the package insert as the primary reference. For infants under 1 year of age, or any child weighing under 10kg, consult a doctor or pharmacist before giving this product. If symptoms persist for more than 3 days, or your child does not improve, stop self-administering and seek medical advice.

Note on pediatric dosing: the weight-based figures above are drawn from Hovid’s own product family data and cross-checked against an independent Malaysian retailer listing for the same 250mg/5ml strength; they were not able to be independently confirmed against the NPRA-approved package insert for this exact SKU in this research pass. Caregivers should treat the printed package insert and a pharmacist’s advice as the final reference for dosing, particularly for infants and children under 10kg.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton.

Refer to the package insert for guidance on how long the suspension remains suitable for use after the bottle has first been opened, and discard any suspension that has changed in colour, smell, or consistency, even if the printed expiry date has not yet passed.

• Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use, and keep this product out of the reach and sight of children.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol or to any other ingredient in this formulation.
• Severe active liver disease.
• Should not be given together with any other product that also contains paracetamol, due to the risk of accidental overdose.

• Concurrent use with other paracetamol-containing medicines, including combination cough, cold, or flu products, increases the risk of accidental overdose and should be avoided.
• Frequent use of products containing alcohol together with paracetamol may increase the risk of liver-related side effects.
• Certain anticonvulsant or antituberculosis medicines may increase the risk of liver-related effects when combined with paracetamol — inform a doctor or pharmacist of any other medicines your child is taking.
• No significant food interactions are known; this suspension may be given with or without food.

• Always shake the bottle well before measuring each dose.
• Use only the measuring device supplied with the product for accurate dosing.
• Dose according to your child’s actual body weight rather than age alone.
• Keep a simple written record of the time and amount of each dose given, to avoid accidentally repeating a dose.
• Store the bottle out of reach and sight of children at all times.
• Check the label of any other medicine your child is taking to confirm it does not also contain paracetamol.

Precautions: Always confirm the exact strength printed on the carton (250mg/5ml) before dosing, as Hovid also manufactures other paracetamol suspension strengths for children that are not interchangeable with this product. Use only the measuring device supplied with the product, and avoid household spoons, which can vary considerably in size. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before use in infants under 1 year of age, in children with known liver or kidney conditions, or if your child is already taking any other medicine that also contains paracetamol.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if symptoms persist for more than 3 days, if your child’s condition worsens, or if you suspect your child has been given more than the recommended dose of this suspension. Seek emergency care immediately if your child shows signs of an allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread skin rash.