2. Before you take Paracetamol Oral Suspension
Do not take this medicine if you have:
- had an allergic reaction to paracetamol or any of the ingredients listed in section 6. An allergic reaction can include a rash, itching or shortness of breath.
- a liver disorder
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these apply to you.
Take special care with this medicine if you have:
- kidney problems
- liver problems, including those due to drinking too much alcohol.
You may be more at risk of the side effects of paracetamol.
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of these apply to you.
Pregnancy and Breast-feeding:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines:
This medicine should not affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Important information about some of the ingredients of Paracetamol Suspension
This medicine contains:
- Tartrazine and carmoisine – these may cause allergic reactions.
- Methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoates – some people are allergic to these (the allergy may happen some time after starting the medicine).
- Sucrose (2.5g per 5ml spoonful). This should be taken into account if you have diabetes.
- Sorbitol. If your doctor has told you that you cannot tolerate some sugars, see your doctor before taking this medicine.
Taking other medicines:
You must not take any other medicines that contain paracetamol while you are taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:
- barbiturates (sleeping tablets)
- tricyclic antidepressants (such as amitriptyline)
- colestyramine (used to treat high cholesterol)
- warfarin (used to thin the blood and prevent clotting)
- zidovudine (used in HIV infections and AIDS)
- domperidone and metoclopramide (used to treat nausea and vomiting)
- anticonvulsants (medicines used to treat epilepsy or fits)
- oral contraceptives “the pill”.
Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.
3. How to take Paracetamol Oral Suspension
Take this medicine as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Look on the label and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Taking this medicine
Check the table below to see how much medicine to use
- This medicine contains 250mg of paracetamol in one 5ml spoonful.
- Take this medicine by mouth only.
- Never give more medicine than shown in the table.
- It is important to shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before use.
- Always use the spoon supplied with the pack. Do not overfill the spoon.
- Do not give this medicine with any other paracetamol-containing product.
How much to take
Child’s Age: 6 – 8 years
How Much: One 5 mL spoonful (large end)
How often (in 24 hours): 4 times
Child’s Age: 8 – 10 years
How Much: One 5.0 mL spoonful (large end) and one 2.5 mL spoonful (small end)
How often (in 24 hours): 4 times
Child’s Age: 10 – 12 years
How Much: Two 5 mL spoonfuls (large end)
How often (in 24 hours): 4 times
- Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24 hour period
- Leave at least 4 hours between doses
- Do not give this medicine to your child for more than 3 days without speaking to your doctor or pharmacist
- Do not give to children under the age of 6 years.
Children aged 12-16 years: Two - three 5mL spoonfuls (large end) up to 4 times a day
Adults and children over 16 years: Two - four 5mL spoonfuls (large end) up to 4 times a day.
Do not exceed the stated dose. You must see a doctor if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3 days.
If you take more paracetamol than you should (overdose):
- Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if you or your child seem well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage. Phone your doctor or go to your nearest accident and emergency department straight away.
- There may be no symptoms during the first 24 hours although paleness, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and abdominal pain may occur.
If you forget to take this medicine:
Take the next dose when needed. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, paracetamol can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The side effects below may sometimes happen.
If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine see a doctor straight away.
An allergic reaction may include:
- skin rash, flaking skin, boils, sore lips and mouth, swelling of the face, fever.
- sudden wheezing, fluttering or tightness of the chest or collapse.
If you get any of the following side effects, stop taking this medicine and see your doctor as soon as possible:
- bruising more easily, sore throat or other signs of infection (these may be signs of a blood disorder)
- severe pain in the abdomen and back, with fever (high temperature), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting (these may be signs of pancreas inflammation).
Tell your doctor if you get any of these side effects:
If paracetamol is taken for a long time, it may lead to liver and kidney problems but if the right amount is taken over a short period of time there should be no problems.
If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
6. Further information
What Paracetamol Suspension contains
The active substance is paracetamol.
The other ingredients are methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218 and E216), propylene glycol (E1520), xanthan gum (E415), liquid sorbitol (E420), sucrose, mango flavour, pineapple flavour (containing tartrazine (E102) and carmoisine (E122)), sweetness enhancer, sodium citrate and purified water.
What Paracetamol Suspension looks like and contents of the pack
Paracetamol Suspension is a white to off-white liquid which smells of mango and pineapple.
It comes in a brown glass bottle holding 100ml or 500ml of suspension. A 2.5ml/5ml double ended spoon is provided to measure the dose.
The Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer is:
Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Ltd
Yorkdale Industrial Park
Braithwaite Street
Leeds
LS11 9XE
UK
Tel:+ 44 (0) 113 244 1400
