Understanding treatment options
Test your knowledge
Before completing this module, try the following quiz to test your current knowledge
Which of these three options could you choose for the following children who present with no other complications?
An 8-year-old child has just fallen off their bike and now has a painful, swollen, inflamed ankle
A 6-year-old child has a fever, most likely due to their chickenpox infection
A 7-week-old baby has a mild fever, with unknown causes
A 3-year-old child has a fever and signs of dehydration
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Understanding treatment options
Paracetamol and ibuprofen are two commonly used analgesics and antipyretics. However, it is important to remember that they work in different ways. In certain circumstances, one may be preferred over the other, sometimes depending on suitability (e.g. age) and symptom management (e.g. inflammation).
Click the headings below the packshots for more information.
Also available:
CALPOL Sugar Free Infant Suspension (P) 200ml
CALPOL Infant Suspension (P) 200ml
Also available:
CALPROFEN Ibuprofen Suspension (P) 200ml
PARACETAMOL
Analgesic and antipyretic1,2
IBUPROFEN
Analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID)1,3
PARACETAMOL
Paracetamol inhibits the action of COX enzymes within the central nervous system, which changes the way the body senses pain and has a thermoregulatory effect1,2
IBUPROFEN
Ibuprofen works by reversibly inhibiting COX enzymes, thereby inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. As well as pain and fever, it reduces inflammation and helps with symptoms such as swelling and redness.1,3
PARACETAMOL
CALPOL Sugar Free Infant Suspension4 is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain and fever. It can be used in many conditions including headache, toothache, earache, teething, sore throat, cold and flu, aches and pains and post-immunisation fever
IBUPROFEN
CALPROFEN 100mg/5ml Oral Suspension5 is indicated for the treatment of mild to moderate pain, post-immunisation fever, rheumatic or muscular pain, headache, reduction of fever, sore throat, teething pain, toothache, minor aches and pains, symptoms of cold and flu
PARACETAMOL
For children ≥2 months weighing over 4kg who are not premature4
The dose is based on the age of the child as long as they are over 4kg. Leave at least 4 hours between doses and do not exceed the maximum dose per day4
IBUPROFEN
For children ≥3 months
weighing over 5kg5
The dose is based on the age of the child as long as they are over 5kg. Leave at least 4 hours between doses and do not exceed the maximum dose per day5
PARACETAMOL
Paracetamol is the only pain and fever relief available OTC for babies after their first immunisation at 2 months.
96% of parents recommend CALPOL for fast, effective pain and fever relief*
*J&J Survey 2023, 291 of 302 parents with children aged 6 months to 12 years
IBUPROFEN
Ibuprofen gets to work on fever in just 15 minutes and gives relief for up to 8 hours, therefore lasting longer than paracetamol (6 hours).6
98% recommend CALPROFEN for effective pain and fever relief**
**J&J Survey 2023, 63 of 64 parents with children aged 6 months to 12 years who have used CALPROFEN
For full dosage information for the CALPOL and CALPROFEN ranges, click here to download a dosing schedule
WARNING: Paracetamol and ibuprofen may not be suitable for all children and some may need referral to the pharmacist or doctor. This includes children who take other medication or have medical conditions. Ibuprofen should not be used in children with signs of dehydration or those who have chickenpox (as it may cause a serious skin reaction) or those with asthma unless instructed by a doctor.7,8
Check the product information carefully for a full list of warnings and contraindications.
Product information is available at the end of this module.