Change in paracetamol dosage labels

Children’s medicines containing paracetamol are to display new information to help parents measure the right dose.

Liquid medicines are being updated with labels providing a more detailed breakdown of the dose by age group.

At the moment, there is one age band for those aged six to 12, but this will now be split into three bands.

For example, the guidance currently says children aged six to 12 should have 5ml to 10ml of medicine, up to four times in 24 hours. By the end of this year, the pack will read 5ml for those aged six to eight, 7.5ml for those aged eight to 10 and 10ml for those aged 10 to 12.

There will also be clearer guidance for paracetamol formulas for babies, according to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Paracetamol offers short-term pain relief and is used to treat fever in children. June Raine, MHRA director of vigilance and risk management of medicines, said: “The change is to ensure children get the most optimal dose of paracetamol suitable for their age.

“This updated dosing advice will clarify the doses, making it easier for parents and carers to know exactly how much paracetamol they should give their children.

“The change is not because of safety concerns and parents/carers should not be worried that they have done anything wrong.”