Paracetamol use in children

MARCH 29, 2019 @ 6.43PM
Healthcaretoday, paracetamol, panadol, pain killers, fever, child, infant, medication, liver damage, kidney failure, children, infant,
Frequent paracetamol intake causes liver problems, so don't overdose your child more than what is recommended.
​​​Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used ‘over-the-counter’ medicine for minor illnesses suffered by children.

The main uses of paracetamol are for relief of pain and for reducing fever. However, it is not always used in the correct dosage, which may make it less effective or dangerous.

Too much paracetamol can cause liver problems, so don't give your child more than the recommended dosage.

What is the correct dose?
The dose depends on your child's weight and the strength of paracetamol. Always measure doses exactly and ask your pharmacist or nurse for an oral syringe.
 
Ministry of Health (MOH), National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency in ‘Package Insert Template for Paracetamol’, August 2011 stated that it is more accurate to use the body weight of the child to calculate the correct dose in paediatrics.
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Calculation is based on recommended dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg/dose orally every four to six hours.

Rectal doses, which may be given to children every four to six hours if necessary, up to four times daily are:
  • Infants under three months - as instructed by physician
  • Three months to a year: 60 to 125 mg
  • One to five years: 125 to 250 mg
  • Six to 12 years: 250 to 500 mg

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