Paracetamol

Paracetamol is a widely used over-the-counter medication for pain and fever. It works by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the brain that cause pain and fever.

Dosage by Body Weight

WHO-style pediatric weight-based reference for oral paracetamol commonly uses 10-15 mg/kg per dose every 4-6 hours when clinically appropriate. Do not exceed locally approved daily limits; infant dosing must be confirmed by a qualified clinician.

Body Weight
3-5 kg
Dose
30-75 mg per dose
Frequency
Every 4-6 hours as needed
Tracking Notes
Typical newborn/young infant range; clinician confirmation is essential.
Body Weight
6-8 kg
Dose
60-120 mg per dose
Frequency
Every 4-6 hours as needed
Tracking Notes
Track total daily intake across all combination products.
Body Weight
9-11 kg
Dose
90-165 mg per dose
Frequency
Every 4-6 hours as needed
Tracking Notes
Use an appropriate pediatric measuring device for liquid formulations.
Body Weight
12-16 kg
Dose
120-240 mg per dose
Frequency
Every 4-6 hours as needed
Tracking Notes
Do not combine multiple acetaminophen/paracetamol products.
Body Weight
17-23 kg
Dose
170-345 mg per dose
Frequency
Every 4-6 hours as needed
Tracking Notes
Seek medical advice if fever persists or the child appears unwell.

Weight-based dosage tracking table for Paracetamol, including body weight, dose, frequency, and tracking notes.
Body Weight	Dose	Frequency	Tracking Notes
3-5 kg	30-75 mg per dose	Every 4-6 hours as needed	Typical newborn/young infant range; clinician confirmation is essential.
6-8 kg	60-120 mg per dose	Every 4-6 hours as needed	Track total daily intake across all combination products.
9-11 kg	90-165 mg per dose	Every 4-6 hours as needed	Use an appropriate pediatric measuring device for liquid formulations.
12-16 kg	120-240 mg per dose	Every 4-6 hours as needed	Do not combine multiple acetaminophen/paracetamol products.
17-23 kg	170-345 mg per dose	Every 4-6 hours as needed	Seek medical advice if fever persists or the child appears unwell.

Formulation

TabletSyrupSuspensionInjection

Purpose

Pain relief and fever reduction. Used to treat mild to moderate pain and reduce fever.

Generic Name

Acetaminophen

Branded Drug Names

Paracetamol is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:

Scheduled Drug

No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.

Alternatives

Ibuprofen Aspirin Naproxen

Safety Advice

Alcohol

CAUTION

Consult your healthcare provider regarding alcohol consumption while taking this medication. Alcohol may interact with this medicine and increase the risk of side effects or reduce effectiveness.

Pregnancy

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your healthcare provider before using this medication. The safety of this medicine during pregnancy should be carefully evaluated by a medical professional.

Breast Feeding

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

If you are breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before taking this medication. Some medicines can pass into breast milk and may affect your baby.

Driving

SAFE

This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or impair your ability to concentrate. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Liver

CAUTION

If you have liver disease or impaired liver function, consult your healthcare provider before using this medication. Dose adjustments may be necessary, and regular monitoring may be required.

Kidney

SAFE

If you have kidney disease or impaired kidney function, inform your healthcare provider before taking this medication. Dose adjustments may be necessary based on your kidney function.