Panadol Children 250mg/5ml Suspension

Panadol Children 250mg/5ml Suspension is a higher-strength liquid paracetamol (acetaminophen) formulation from the Panadol Children range, with each 5 mL of the suspension containing 250 mg of paracetamol as the active ingredient. It is produced by Haleon (Panadol) for the Malaysian market as a liquid dosage form, alongside the standard-strength Panadol Children suspension and the Panadol Children Chewable Tablet.

This is a paracetamol-based OTC (Over-the-Counter) medicine, meaning it can be purchased from a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription, though a pharmacist’s advice is recommended, especially for infants or children with other health conditions. It is supplied as a liquid suspension in a bottle, together with a dosing device to help measure the correct volume.

Because this suspension is roughly double the concentration of the standard 120 mg/5 mL Panadol Children suspension, a smaller volume delivers the same milligram dose, which is why the printed age/weight dosing chart and the measuring device supplied specifically with this product must always be used, rather than volumes intended for the standard-strength suspension, to avoid dosing errors.

Shake the bottle well before each use. Measure the dose using only the dosing cup or oral syringe provided with this product, as the volume needed for this 250 mg/5 mL strength differs from the standard-strength Panadol Children suspension.

The suspension can be given with or without food, directly by mouth using the measuring device.

Dosing is based on the child’s body weight, following the age/weight dosing chart printed on the product carton, using only the measuring device supplied with this suspension. As a general reference, paracetamol suspensions are typically dosed at around 10-15 mg per kg of body weight per dose, repeated no more often than every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.

Do not exceed the maximum daily dose shown on the pack, which corresponds to approximately 60 mg per kg of body weight per day given in divided doses. This product is not recommended for infants under 1 month old, and a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted before giving it to a child below the minimum age or weight shown on the dosing chart.

If a dose is missed, give it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose – do not give a double dose. Stop self-treating and see a doctor if fever lasts more than 3 days, pain lasts more than 5 days, or symptoms worsen.

Use before the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton. Discard any unused suspension once the in-use period stated on the pack has passed, as an opened bottle is not intended to be kept indefinitely.

Store below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Do not freeze. Shake well before each use and keep the bottle tightly closed. Keep out of the reach and sight of children.

• Common: Paracetamol at recommended doses is generally well tolerated, and side effects in children are uncommon.
• Common: Mild stomach discomfort or nausea has been reported occasionally.
• Serious: Skin rash, hives, or itching may indicate an allergic reaction and should be reported to a doctor or pharmacist.
• Serious: Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or throat swelling or difficulty breathing, require immediate emergency medical attention.
• Serious: Unusual bruising or bleeding (a rare sign of a blood disorder) should be reported to a doctor promptly.
• Serious: Signs of liver problems from excessive or prolonged use, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent vomiting, require urgent medical assessment.

• Known hypersensitivity or allergy to paracetamol or any other ingredient in this suspension.
• Infants under 1 month of age, unless directed by a doctor.
• Severe active liver disease.
• Children already taking another paracetamol-containing medicine, to avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose.

• Do not give this product together with any other medicine that already contains paracetamol/acetaminophen, including other cold, flu, cough, or fever combination products, as this can lead to an accidental paracetamol overdose.
• Children taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines should use paracetamol under medical supervision, as prolonged regular use may enhance the anticoagulant effect.
• Children on long-term treatment with certain anti-epileptic medicines such as carbamazepine or phenytoin, or with rifampicin, may be at higher risk of liver effects with paracetamol and should be assessed by a doctor first.
• No specific food interactions are known; the suspension may be given with or without food.

• Use only the dosing device supplied with this specific bottle, never a household spoon.
• Shake the bottle well before every dose to ensure the medicine is evenly mixed.
• Do not mix up the dosing volumes of this 250 mg/5 mL suspension with the standard-strength 120 mg/5 mL suspension.
• Check any other medicine your child is taking to make sure it does not already contain paracetamol.
• Keep a simple written record of the time and volume given, especially if more than one caregiver is involved.
• Store the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children.

Precautions: Use only the measuring device supplied with this specific product, and confirm the correct volume against the age/weight dosing chart on the pack before each dose, since this suspension is more concentrated than the standard-strength Panadol Children suspension. This product is not recommended for infants under 1 month old, and children with liver or kidney conditions, or who are on other regular medicines, should be assessed by a doctor or pharmacist before use.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: Seek medical advice if your child’s fever lasts more than 3 days, if pain lasts more than 5 days, if symptoms worsen, if the child shows signs of an allergic reaction, or if you suspect the wrong volume was given. Paracetamol overdose can be serious even if the child initially appears well, so contact a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency services promptly.