Poro 250mg/5ml Suspension 100ml

Poro 250mg/5ml Suspension 100ml is a paracetamol oral suspension, with 250 mg of paracetamol in every 5 mL, supplied in a 100 mL bottle. Paracetamol is a single-ingredient analgesic and antipyretic medicine, and Poro suspension is a children’s liquid formulation of it from the Malaysian brand YSP. It is an oral liquid that is measured with a spoon or measuring device and shaken well before each use, and it comes in flavoured versions such as orange and strawberry.

Poro suspension is not an antibiotic. The pre-filled description for this product identified the active ingredient as cefadroxil, an antibiotic, but Malaysian MIMS, Malaysian pharmacy listings (AA Pharmacy, Alpro, Sunway Multicare, Health Lane, Grab Mart) and the Singapore National Drug Formulary all identify Poro Suspension 250mg/5ml as paracetamol 250 mg per 5 mL. It does not contain any antibiotic, and it will not act on bacterial infections.

Poro 250mg/5ml Suspension is an OTC (Over-the-Counter) product that can be bought from Malaysian pharmacies without needing a doctor’s prescription, and DoctorOnCall lists it in its OTC range. Because paracetamol is also found in many cold, flu and fever products, it is important not to give Poro together with any other paracetamol-containing product, and to follow the dosing bands and the maximum number of doses in 24 hours that are printed on the label.

• Shake the bottle well before each use.
• Measure the dose using a clean medicine spoon or measuring device, not a household spoon. 5 mL is equal to 1 teaspoon.
• Children 1 to 5 years: 2.5 mL to 5 mL (half to 1 teaspoon). Children 6 to 12 years: 5 mL to 10 mL (1 to 2 teaspoons).
• The dose may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours when necessary, with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours.
• Do not give with any other medicine that contains paracetamol, and do not give to a child under 1 year of age without advice from a doctor or pharmacist.
• Close the cap tightly after each use and keep out of the reach of children.

Children 1 to 5 years: 2.5 mL to 5 mL (half to 1 teaspoon). Children 6 to 12 years: 5 mL to 10 mL (1 to 2 teaspoons). The dose may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours when necessary, with a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours. These bands are as stated in MIMS Malaysia, the Singapore National Drug Formulary and Malaysian pharmacy listings for Poro Suspension. A dose for children under 1 year of age is not stated in these sources, so do not give Poro to an infant without advice from a doctor or pharmacist. Never give more than the stated number of doses, and do not give another paracetamol product at the same time. If a dose is missed, give it when needed but do not double the next dose. Seek medical advice if symptoms last more than 3 days, and seek urgent help if too much has been given, even if the child seems well.

Use the suspension before the expiry date printed on the bottle and outer carton. Check this date and the batch number before each dose, and do not use the suspension after its expiry date, if the contents look unusual, or if the bottle seal is broken. Refer to the pack label for how long the bottle may be used after it has been opened.

Store as stated on the pack, generally in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, with the cap tightly closed. Keep the bottle out of the reach and sight of children, since the flavoured liquid can be attractive to young children. Do not use if the suspension has changed colour or smell, or if the bottle is damaged.

• Common: Paracetamol is generally well tolerated at the recommended dose, and side effects are uncommon.
• Common: Mild nausea or stomach discomfort in some children.
• Serious: An allergic reaction such as rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty breathing, which needs emergency medical care. Rare severe skin reactions (blistering or peeling skin) also need immediate attention.
• Serious: Liver damage if more than the recommended dose is given, with signs such as persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or dark urine. Seek urgent medical help for any suspected overdose even if the child seems well.

• Do not give to anyone who is allergic to paracetamol or to any other ingredient of the suspension.
• Do not give to children with severe liver disease unless advised by a doctor.
• Do not give with any other paracetamol-containing product.
• Do not give to an infant under 1 year of age without advice from a doctor or pharmacist, as dosing is not stated on the labels reviewed.

• Do not give with other medicines containing paracetamol (acetaminophen), including many children’s and adult cold, flu and fever products, as this can cause an accidental overdose.
• Tell a doctor or pharmacist if the child takes other regular medicines, such as certain epilepsy medicines or rifampicin, which can raise the risk of liver problems with paracetamol.
• Medicines such as flucloxacillin and cholestyramine can interact with paracetamol and should be checked with a pharmacist first.
• Regular, prolonged use of paracetamol can increase the effect of warfarin in adults who take it.
• No specific food interactions are known. Inactive ingredients such as sweeteners and flavouring may differ by flavour, so check the label if the child has a known allergy or sugar intolerance.

• Always shake the bottle well, and measure with a medicine spoon or measuring device, not a household spoon.
• Check the child’s age band on the label, and wait at least 4 hours between doses.
• Count all paracetamol products given in a day, including cold and flu syrups, so the maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours is not exceeded.
• Write down the time and amount of each dose when more than one adult is caring for the child.
• Keep the bottle capped and out of the reach of children, and use before the printed expiry date.
• This is not an antibiotic, so do not use it in place of any antibiotic prescribed by a doctor.

Precautions: Use the dosing band for the child’s age, measure each dose with a proper measuring device, and never exceed 4 doses in 24 hours. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before giving it to a child with liver or kidney problems, to infants under 1 year, to children who are underweight or malnourished or dehydrated, or to a child taking other regular medicines. The inactive ingredients differ between flavours and were not listed in the sources reviewed, so check the pack label for allergies. Keep the bottle out of reach of children.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: See a doctor if symptoms last more than 3 days, if a fever is very high or keeps returning, if the child is an infant, is very drowsy, is not drinking, has a rash, stiff neck, difficulty breathing, or seems to be getting worse. Seek emergency help straight away if too much has been given, even if the child seems well, or if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction.