Calpol Six Plus Suspension Sugar Free - 80ml

What Is Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension?

When your child is running a temperature or complaining of a headache, you want something that works — and that you can trust. Calpol Six Plus sugar free suspension is a well-established, paracetamol-based oral liquid designed specifically for children aged 6 to 12 years. Each 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol, providing reliable relief from mild to moderate pain and fever. It's sugar free, which makes it a practical choice for children who need to manage their sugar intake. You can find it alongside other trusted options in our baby and toddler range.

Paracetamol has been used safely in children for decades and remains the first-line recommendation from the NHS for managing fever and pain in this age group. This 80ml bottle gives you enough for multiple doses, so you're not caught short when your child needs relief most.

How Does Calpol Six Plus Suspension Work?

Paracetamol — the active ingredient here — works centrally in the brain and spinal cord. It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers responsible for triggering pain signals and raising body temperature. By reducing prostaglandin production, it lowers fever and eases discomfort without the anti-inflammatory action associated with ibuprofen.

• Paracetamol is absorbed through the gut and reaches peak plasma concentration within 30 to 60 minutes of an oral dose.
• It acts on the hypothalamus — the brain's temperature-regulating centre — to bring down fever.
• It modulates pain perception centrally, making it effective for headaches, sore throats, toothache, and aches associated with colds and flu.
• Because it is sugar free, it does not contribute to dental decay — an important consideration for children who take medicines regularly.

Who Should Use Calpol Six Plus Suspension?

This suspension is intended for children aged 6 to 12 years. It is not suitable for children under 6 — for younger children, Calpol Infant Suspension (120mg/5ml) is the appropriate formulation. If your child is over 12, adult paracetamol tablets or liquid preparations are more suitable.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Children aged 6–12 with fever caused by colds, flu, or post-vaccination reactions.
• Children experiencing mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache, sore throat, or earache.
• Children who need to avoid sugar in their medicines — for example, those with diabetes or those at higher risk of dental caries.
• Children who struggle to swallow tablets and require a liquid formulation.

How Does Calpol Six Plus Compare to Calpol Infant Suspension?

How Should You Store Calpol Six Plus Suspension?

Store this medicine below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not refrigerate — chilling can affect the consistency of the suspension. Always keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children. Once opened, use within the period stated on the label (typically 28 days). If you're building a home medicine cabinet, it's worth browsing our pain relief collection for complementary products.

Check the expiry date before each use. Never use Calpol Six Plus sugar free suspension past its expiry date, and do not dispose of medicines via household waste — return unused or expired medicines to your local pharmacy.

This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking other medicines.

What Is Calpol Six Plus Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Calpol Six Plus Sugar Free Suspension is an oral liquid medicine containing paracetamol 250mg per 5ml. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and to reduce fever (high temperature) in children aged 6 to 12 years. Common conditions it is used for include headache, toothache, sore throat, earache, and the aches and pains associated with colds and flu. It can also be used to manage fever following childhood vaccinations, though you should always follow the advice of your child's healthcare professional in that context.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Calpol Six Plus Suspension?

Do not give this medicine if any of the following apply:

• Your child is under 6 years of age.
• Your child is allergic to paracetamol or any other ingredient in the suspension.
• Your child has severe liver or kidney disease.
• Your child is already taking another medicine containing paracetamol — this includes many cold and flu remedies.

Use with caution and speak to a pharmacist or doctor first if your child:

• Has liver or kidney problems.
• Is malnourished or has a low body weight for their age.
• Is taking warfarin or other anticoagulant medicines — regular paracetamol use may affect how these work.
• Is taking medicines for epilepsy (such as carbamazepine or phenytoin), tuberculosis (rifampicin), or cholestyramine.

Known drug interactions to be aware of:

• Warfarin and other anticoagulants — paracetamol may enhance anticoagulant effect with prolonged use.
• Metoclopramide and domperidone — may increase the rate of paracetamol absorption.
• Cholestyramine — may reduce paracetamol absorption if taken within one hour.
• Other paracetamol-containing products — concurrent use risks accidental overdose.

How Should You Use Calpol Six Plus Suspension?

Always use the measuring device provided with the bottle — never use a kitchen spoon, as this can lead to inaccurate dosing. Shake the bottle well before each use.

1. Check the label to confirm the correct dose for your child's age.
2. Shake the bottle gently before opening.
3. Use the measuring syringe or spoon provided to draw up the correct volume.
4. Give the dose orally, either directly or mixed with a small amount of water if needed.
5. Replace the child-resistant cap securely after use.
6. Allow at least 4 hours between doses.
7. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol Six Plus Suspension?

Paracetamol is generally very well tolerated at recommended doses. Side effects are uncommon, but it's important to know what to look out for. If your child develops any signs of an allergic reaction — such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing — stop the medicine immediately and call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. You can also find useful information about managing children's symptoms in our cold and flu range.

Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 children):

• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort

Less common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 children):

• Skin rash or urticaria (hives)
• Flushing
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) — very rare, associated with intravenous use, not oral
• Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia or agranulocytosis — extremely rare with oral use at recommended doses

Overdose is a serious risk with paracetamol. If you suspect your child has taken more than the recommended dose — even if they seem well — go to A&E immediately or call 999. Early treatment is essential, as liver damage from paracetamol overdose may not be apparent for several days.

How Should You Store Calpol Six Plus Suspension?

• Store below 25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.
• Once opened, use within 28 days — check the label for the specific in-use shelf life.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle and carton.
• Return unused or expired medicines to your local pharmacy for safe disposal — do not put them in household bins or flush down the sink.

If you're looking for other products to support your child's health and wellbeing, our vitamins and supplements collection includes a range of children's nutritional support options.