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Calpol Paracetamol Medicine

Calpol is a UK children's paracetamol brand. Here is where to buy Calpol and what to check.

Updated Nov 1, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

UK pharmacies and supermarkets stock Calpol. Some larger packs are pharmacy medicines. A pharmacist may ask questions first.

Calpol is a UK and Ireland brand. Outside those countries, ask a pharmacist for a local children's paracetamol instead.

Professional insight

Pharmacists match the Calpol version to the child's age first. Strength differs between Infant and Six Plus.

Infant and Six Plus have different paracetamol strengths.
Sugar free versions use other sweeteners, check excipients.
Use the syringe or spoon packed in that box.
Check other medicines for hidden paracetamol.

Check the label

Product name: Calpol Infant or Calpol Six Plus.
Strength printed in mg per 5ml.
Age range on the front of the box.
Sugar free or original formula stated.
Expiry date and batch number present.
Tamper seal and child resistant cap intact.
UK or Irish licence number on the box.

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Types

Common Calpol forms. Age ranges are on each box.
Version	Who it is for	Notes
Calpol Infant suspension	Young children, see box	Original or sugar free
Calpol Six Plus suspension	Older children, see box	Higher strength
Sachets and melts	Varies by product	Check the age range

Red flags

Marketplace sellers with no pharmacy registration.
Boxes with broken seals or missing leaflets.
Foreign language packs with no English leaflet.
Short or missing expiry dates.
Listings that promise medical benefits beyond the label.

Safe use

Read the leaflet before the first use.
Follow the label dose for the child's age.
Never combine with another paracetamol product.
Ask a pharmacist for babies or premature infants.
Store out of reach and sight of children.

Common questions

Do I need a prescription for Calpol?: No. Some packs are pharmacy medicines sold after a pharmacist check.
Can I buy Calpol in the US?: It is not a US brand. Ask a pharmacist for a local equivalent.
What is the active ingredient?: Paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in North America.
How much should I give?: Follow the label for the child's age. Ask a pharmacist if unsure.