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3. What Is PANADOL BABY AND INFANT and What
Is It Used For? |
What Is PANADOL BABY AND INFANT?
Panadol Baby and Infant
Suspension is a specially formulated, child-friendly oral suspension of
Paracetamol (also known as Acetaminophen) at a concentration of 120mg per 5ml.
Paracetamol is one of the safest and most widely trusted medicines for children; it works by reducing the production of prostaglandins in the brain that cause pain and fever, providing reliable and gentle relief without the stomach irritation associated with NSAIDs like ibuprofen.
Panadol Baby and Infant Suspension is sugar-free (or low-sugar in some
formulations), pleasantly flavoured, and comes with a measuring syringe or
spoon for accurate dosing, making it practical and safe for parents to use at
home.
What Is It Used For?
Panadol Baby and Infant is
used by parents and caregivers to relieve fever and mild to moderate pain in
babies and young children. It is one of the most commonly used medicines in
Kenya for bringing down a child's temperature during infections, relieving the
discomfort of teething, soothing pain and fever after childhood vaccinations,
and providing comfort during ear infections, sore throats, and cold-related
aches.
The liquid formulation is
designed for children from 2 months of age onwards, making it the go-to
first-choice fever and pain relief for infants and toddlers in the family
medicine cabinet.
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4. How to Take This Medicine |
2–3 months (post-vaccination only)
2.5ml (60mg). Give only one
dose. Do not give a second dose unless advised by a doctor.
3–6 months
2.5ml (60mg) every 4–6 hours.
Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
6–24 months
5ml (120mg) every 4–6 hours.
Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
2–4 years
7.5ml (180mg) every 4–6 hours.
Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
4–6 years
10ml (240mg) every 4–6 hours.
Maximum 4 doses in 24 hours.
Measuring
ALWAYS use the measuring
syringe or dosing device provided, never use a kitchen teaspoon, which can give
the wrong amount.
Missed Dose
Give as soon as you remember.
Ensure at least 4 hours between doses. Never give two doses at once.
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5. Side Effects |
Common Side Effects
· Generally,
very well tolerated at correct doses
· Very
rare: mild nausea or stomach discomfort
Uncommon Side Effects
·
Skin rash or allergic reaction
(rare)
Serious Side Effects, Seek Immediate Medical Attention
· Liver
damage, ONLY in cases of overdose or when multiple paracetamol-containing
products are given simultaneously. Paracetamol is safe at recommended doses.
· Severe
allergic reaction (anaphylaxis, very rare)
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6. Contraindications |
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⚠ The following
patients should NOT use this medication: • Known hypersensitivity to paracetamol • Severe hepatic (liver) impairment • Do not use in infants under 2 months except for
post-vaccination fever and only under medical guidance • Do not use concurrently with other
paracetamol-containing medicines (e.g., combination cold syrups)
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7. Safety Warnings and Special Precautions |
· OVERDOSE
DANGER: Paracetamol is safe at the correct dose but causes serious liver damage
in overdose. Always check the dose carefully by weight, never guess. Do not
exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
· CONCURRENT
PARACETAMOL PRODUCTS: Many children's cold and cough syrups contain
paracetamol. Never give Panadol at the same time as any other medicine
containing paracetamol; this can cause accidental overdose.
· MEASURING:
ALWAYS use the syringe provided. A kitchen teaspoon is not accurate and can
result in under- or over-dosing.
· FEVER
DURATION: If your child's fever persists for more than 3 days or rises above
39°C despite treatment, seek medical attention.
· UNDER
2 MONTHS: Do not give to babies under 2 months unless specifically advised by a
doctor.
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8. Drug Interactions |
Other
paracetamol-containing products: NEVER combine, risk of
paracetamol overdose and liver damage.
Warfarin:
Prolonged paracetamol use may slightly enhance
anticoagulant effect, relevant only in older children or adults on warfarin.
No significant interactions at
standard doses in young children.
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9. Storage Instructions |
· Store
below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate.
· Keep
out of direct sunlight.
· Keep
out of reach of children.
· Keep
the bottle tightly closed.
· Do
not use after the expiry date.
· Shake
well before use.
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10. Prescription Status in Kenya |
Panadol Baby and Infant
Suspension is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine available at Pharmily without
a prescription. However, seek medical advice if the child is under 3 months,
has a high fever (above 39°C), or symptoms persist beyond 3 days.
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11. Patient Guidance |
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💊 Key Points
for Patients: ✔ Always use the measuring syringe or
dosing cup provided; kitchen spoons are not accurate enough. ✔ Shake the bottle well before each
dose. ✔ Wait at least 4 hours between doses
and give no more than 4 doses in any 24 hours. ✔ Never give Panadol at the same time as
any other medicine that contains paracetamol, including cold syrups and other
fever medicines. ✔ If your child's temperature does not
come down within an hour, or returns rapidly, or the child seems very unwell,
see a doctor. ✔ Seek emergency care if you suspect
your child has taken too much Panadol; paracetamol overdose is a medical
emergency even if the child seems fine at first.
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12. Pharmacist / Prescriber Notes |
Panadol Baby and Infant is the
most trusted OTC paediatric analgesic/antipyretic in Kenya. The primary
counselling points are: accurate weight-based dosing using the provided
syringe, strict avoidance of concurrent paracetamol-containing products, and the
4-dose-per-24-hour maximum.
Counsel parents on the danger
of giving Panadol alongside paediatric combination cold syrups; paracetamol is
in many multi-symptom products, and accidental dual dosing is a real risk.
For children under 3 months, advise medical consultation before administering, except for the clearly defined post-vaccination dose guidance.
Educate parents on recognising danger signs in
a febrile child requiring immediate medical attention: rash, difficulty
breathing, extreme lethargy, refusal to feed, bulging fontanelle, or seizures.
Paracetamol overdose is a
paediatric emergency; counsel on safe storage and what to do if accidental
ingestion occurs (Poison Control/emergency services).
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13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) |
Q1: What is Panadol Baby and Infant used for?
A: Panadol Baby and Infant
Suspension is used to reduce fever and relieve mild to moderate pain in babies
and young children, including post-vaccination fever, teething pain,
cold-related aches, and ear or throat pain.
Q2: How do I know the right dose for my child?
A: The dose is based on your
child's age and weight. Check the dosing table on the package carefully and
always use the measuring syringe provided, never a kitchen spoon. If in doubt,
ask your Pharmily pharmacist.
Q3: Can I give Panadol Baby at the same time as a cough syrup?
A: Not if the cough syrup also
contains paracetamol; many children's cold and cough medicines do. Giving two
paracetamol-containing products at the same time can cause an accidental
overdose. Always check the ingredients of all medicines you give your child.
Q4: How often can I give Panadol Baby to my child?
A: You can give a dose every
4–6 hours, up to a maximum of 4 doses in any 24 hours. Always wait at
least 4 hours between doses.
Q5: My baby is 2 months old, can I give Panadol?
A: Panadol can be used from 2
months of age specifically for post-vaccination fever (one 2.5ml dose). For
other uses in babies under 3 months, consult your doctor first.
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