Paracetamol for children

You can use paracetamol for children and babies over 3 months of age; babies younger than 3 months must see the doctor first. Only give paracetamol if they need it.

• Paracetamol may be used if your child needs pain relief or if your child has a fever (temperature over 38°C) AND is miserable.
• Fever is a normal response to infection and isn't harmful, so you don't need to give paracetamol for fever alone.
• If your child is miserable because of the fever, you can give them paracetamol to make them more comfortable.
• Paracetamol may reduce the effectiveness of childhood vaccinations. You don't need to give babies and children paracetamol before or after vaccination, unless your healthcare provider has suggested you do so. The exception to this is if your child is being given the Bexsero vaccine. Read more about giving children under 2 years old paracetamol before and after the Bexsero vaccine to reduce the risk of high fever. 
• Read more about fever in children.

The video below has tips and advice on how to give paracetamol safely to children.

Video: Safe use of paracetamol for children

Note: In the video it says not to give paracetamol to your tamariki before or after vaccination. The exception to this is if your child is being given the Bexsero vaccine. Read more about giving children under 2 years old paracetamol before and after the Bexsero vaccine to reduce the risk of high fever. 

(Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2025)

Paracetamol liquid comes in different strengths

• 120 mg in 5 mL (lower strength)
• 250 mg in 5 mL (higher strength).

Always check that the dose you're giving your child is correct. To check the strength of the liquid, always read the label and do NOT rely on the colour, smell, or flavour. If you don't know how much to give, check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the Pamol brand of paracetamol you can buy over the counter at your pharmacy is available in different flavours but all the Pamol flavours contain 250 mg of paracetamol in 5 mL.

The dose of paracetamol is based on your child’s weight and not their age

• Always give the dose that's written on the bottle or package according to your child's weight. If you're not sure about how much to give your child, ask your pharmacist. Use the dosing guide at the bottom of this section. 
• As your child grows and gets heavier, the dose of paracetamol will need to be increased to make sure they're getting the correct amount. Don't use the same dose for a different child unless they're the same weight.

Weigh your child and use the Healthify paracetamol dose calculator to calculate their correct dose. Click on the image below.

Measure the dose correctly

Measure the right dose of paracetamol using a medicine syringe or medicine spoon. You can get these from your pharmacy. Don't use a kitchen spoon as it won't give you the right amount. Read more tips on how to give medicines to babies and children.

Before giving each dose, check if your child still needs it

• Don't give paracetamol more than 4 times in 24 hours and only give paracetamol if your child needs it for pain relief.
• Wait at least 4 hours before giving the next dose, eg, 8 am, midday, 4 pm and 8 pm.
• Keep track of the timing of the doses and check when it was last given before giving it again.

Keep a record every time you give your child a dose of paracetamol 

Write down when you give each dose of paracetamol so you don't give your child too much.

Paracetamol dosing guide

If you're not sure how much paracetamol liquid to give your child, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist, or use the following as a guide:

• Paracetamol tablets and capsules come as 500 mg.
• Check other medicines your child is taking. Some combination medicines for colds and flu may also have paracetamol in them. 
• Tablets and capsules are suitable for older children who can swallow them.
• Tablets and capsules should be swallowed with a glass of water. Your child shouldn't chew them as they have a very bitter taste.
• When giving tablets and capsules, work out the dose that is right for your child, based on their weight. If you don't know how much to give them, ask your pharmacist. The following is a guide:
  • If your child weighs more than 33 kilograms the usual dose is 1 tablet (500mg).
  • If your child weighs more than 66 kilograms the usual dose is 1 to 2 tablets.
  • The maximum is 2 tablets in 1 dose.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, paracetamol is available as a liquid, tablet, capsules and suppository. 

Paracetamol is also found in many other medicines you can buy from the supermarket or pharmacy for colds and flu or pain. Overdose can happen if your child takes more than 1 paracetamol-containing medicine. Check the ingredients of pain and cold and flu medicines before you give them to your child.

Note: The following products are not suitable for children younger than 12 years of age.  

Examples of medicines with paracetamol in them

• Codral®, Coldrex®, Cold & Flu Relief®
• Dimetapp Cold & Flu®
• Lemsip®
• Maxigesic®, Maxiclear Cold & Flu®, Mucinex Cold & Flu®
• Panadol Cold & Flu®
• Sudafed PE®

Paracetamol is a very popular medicine and when taken correctly works well. However, too much paracetamol is very harmful to the liver.

If you have given your child too much paracetamol (including other products with paracetamol in them), call your healthcare provider or the Poisons Centre 0800 POISON (0800 764 766) immediately. 

Keep all paracetamol in childproof containers, out of reach and out of sight of children.

Do NOT wait for signs of an overdose as these appear later when damage to the liver is already done.

Late signs may include nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), diarrhoea (runny poo/hamuti), yellow skin or eyes, poor appetite and confusion or extreme sleepiness.