🧪 Paracetamol Oral Liquid 125 mg/5 mL (Pediatric Use)
📘 **Description:
Paracetamol 125 mg/5 mL Oral Liquid** is a pediatric analgesic and antipyretic formulation used for the relief of fever and mild to moderate pain in children. It is a slightly stronger alternative to the 120 mg/5 mL syrup and comes in flavored forms to make it palatable for children.
🔬 Nature / Mechanism of Action:
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) works:
- Centrally in the brain to reduce fever by acting on the hypothalamus
- By inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in the CNS, which helps reduce pain sensation
Unlike NSAIDs, it has minimal anti-inflammatory effect and is gentle on the stomach.
🩺 Prescription / Common Uses:
| Condition | Use |
|---|---|
| Fever | In infections, flu, colds |
| Teething discomfort | Pain and mild swelling |
| Post-vaccination | Pain and fever relief |
| Headache, body ache | Common illness-related pain |
| Earache, sore throat | Short-term symptomatic relief |
✅ Advantages:
- Safe for infants and toddlers
- Suitable for repeated dosing over several days (under medical advice)
- Palatable taste (commonly strawberry or orange)
- Well-tolerated in most children
- No risk of stomach ulcers like NSAIDs
⚠️ Precautions:
- Do not exceed the recommended dose — risk of liver toxicity
- Avoid other paracetamol-containing medications
- Shake bottle well before use
- Weight-based dosing is preferred over age-based dosing
📏 Typical Dosage (By Weight):
| Weight of Child | Recommended Dose | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| 5–8 kg | 2.5 mL | Every 6 hours if needed |
| 9–12 kg | 5 mL | Every 6 hours if needed |
| 13–16 kg | 7.5 mL | Every 6 hours if needed |
| 17–20 kg | 10 mL | Every 6 hours if needed |
✅ Always consult a pediatrician, especially for babies under 3 months.
📦 Storage:
- Store below 25°C
- Protect from light and moisture
- Use within 2 months after opening
- Keep out of reach of children