Calpol

Calpol is an oral suspension for children. It has a strawberry smell and pink color. The main properties of the drug are analgesic and antipyretic.

Indications Calpol

It is indicated for children from 3 months (at an earlier age, the medicine can only be prescribed by a doctor) to 6 years. It is used as an antipyretic (for diseases such as flu, acute respiratory viral infections, various childhood infectious processes, as well as reactions to vaccines and other conditions in which an increase in temperature is observed), and in addition, a pain reliever (mild or moderate pain syndrome (dental or headaches, as well as muscle pain, neuralgia, as well as pain due to burns and various injuries and damages)).

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Release form

It is produced in the form of a suspension in glass bottles of 70 or 100 ml. One package contains 1 bottle and a measuring spoon.

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Pharmacodynamics

Paracetamol has a weak effect on the process of PG synthesis in peripheral tissues and does not affect the water-salt balance. In addition, it does not irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa.

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Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration, peak plasma concentrations are observed after 0.5-1.5 hours. The ratio of bioavailability volumes and distribution of the active component in infants and children is similar to that in adults. The half-life is approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

The metabolism process occurs in the liver. In patients under 10 years of age, the main breakdown product is paracetamol sulfate, while at the age of 12+ years it is direct glucuronide. In case of glutathione deficiency, these metabolites are able to block the enzymatic hepatocyte systems, causing their necrosis. Then about 85-95% of the drug is excreted in the urine within 24 hours (less than 4% of the dose is unchanged).

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Dosing and administration

Take orally with water 1-2 hours after meals, 3-4 times a day. The interval between doses should be at least 4 hours. There is no need to dilute the suspension with water. To make dosing the mixture more convenient and accurate, use a measuring spoon (marks 2.5 and 5 ml).

Single doses for children aged 3 months/1 year – 2.5-5 milliliters of suspension (60-120 milligrams of paracetamol). At the age of 1-6 years – 5-10 milliliters of medicine (120-240 milligrams of paracetamol).

The treatment course usually lasts 3 days (if the drug is used as an antipyretic) or 5 days (if the drug is used as a painkiller). If it is necessary to extend the course, you should consult with your doctor.

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Contraindications

Contraindications include: intolerance to the components of the drug, severe disorders in the functioning of the kidneys and liver, various blood diseases, G6PD deficiency, as well as infants under 1 month of age.

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Side effects Calpol

Side effects include vomiting with nausea, allergy (such manifestations as itching and rash on the skin, angioedema and urticaria), abdominal pain. In rare cases, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or neutropenia, as well as anemia, develop. In case of prolonged use in high doses, nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects may be observed, as well as the development of methemoglobinemia or panmyelophthisis.

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Overdose

Signs of overdose: increased sweating, severe pallor, pain in the stomach, and vomiting with nausea. After 1-2 days, symptoms of liver dysfunction begin to appear (pain in this area appears, and the activity of liver enzymes in the blood increases, PT increases). In case of severe overdose, hepatonecrosis and liver failure are observed, and in addition, encephalopathy and coma.

As a therapy: you need to stop taking the medication, perform gastric lavage, drink enterosorbents (such as polyphepan, as well as activated carbon) and administer a special antidote, N-acetylcysteine, intravenously (or you can prescribe oral methionine).

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Interactions with other drugs

Alcoholic beverages, tricyclics, barbiturates, antiepileptic drugs, and also rifampicin and phenylbutazone increase the hepatotoxicity of Calpol, and salicylates increase its nephrotoxic effect.

Paracetamol can also enhance the properties of indirect anticoagulants, and in addition, weaken the effect of uricosuric agents and increase the toxicity of chloramphenicol.

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Storage conditions

The medicine must be kept in a place closed to children and sunlight. Temperature conditions – no more than 25°C.

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Shelf life

Calpol is approved for use for 3 years from the date of manufacture of the medicine.

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