Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free– 200ml different flavours

What Is Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free and How Does It Help?

When your child has a temperature or is in pain, you want something that works — and works safely. Calpol SixPlus sugar free is a well-established paracetamol oral suspension designed specifically for children aged 6 to 12 years. Each 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol, making it straightforward to give the right amount without guesswork. It's available in different flavours, which can make dosing a little easier when your child is feeling under the weather. You'll find it alongside other trusted options in our baby and toddler range.

This formulation is sugar free, which matters for children who use it regularly — for example, those managing recurrent fevers or post-vaccination discomfort. The absence of sucrose reduces the risk of dental issues associated with frequent use of sweetened medicines, according to NHS guidance on children's oral health.

How Does Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Work in the Body?

Paracetamol — the active ingredient in Calpol SixPlus — works primarily by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the central nervous system. Prostaglandins are chemical messengers that contribute to both pain perception and the elevation of body temperature during illness. By reducing their production, paracetamol helps bring a fever down and eases mild to moderate pain.

• Paracetamol is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
• Peak plasma concentration is typically reached within 30 to 60 minutes of ingestion.
• It acts centrally on the hypothalamus to reduce fever (antipyretic effect).
• It also has a peripheral analgesic action, reducing pain at the site of inflammation.
• It is metabolised primarily in the liver and excreted via the kidneys.

Who Is Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Suitable For?

This suspension is intended for children aged 6 to 12 years. It's particularly useful for children who struggle to swallow tablets, or those who need a sugar-free option due to dietary requirements or dental health concerns. It can be used to manage a range of common childhood conditions.

• Children aged 6 to 12 years with mild to moderate pain (e.g. headache, toothache, sore throat)
• Children with a fever, including post-immunisation pyrexia
• Children who require a sugar-free liquid paracetamol formulation
• Children who cannot or will not swallow solid dosage forms

It is not suitable for children under 6 years — for younger children, Calpol Infant Suspension (120mg/5ml) is the appropriate formulation. Always check the label and confirm the child's weight and age before dosing.

How Does Calpol SixPlus Compare to Calpol Infant Suspension?

How Should You Store Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free?

Store Calpol SixPlus sugar free below 25°C, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Do not refrigerate the suspension — cold temperatures can affect the consistency of the liquid. Always keep the bottle tightly closed and well out of reach of children. Once opened, use within the period stated on the packaging (typically 28 days). If you're also managing other health concerns at home, our pain relief collection includes a range of options for adults and older children.

Check the expiry date on the bottle before each use. Never use a medicine past its expiry date, even if it looks and smells unchanged.

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 SixPlus Sugar Free and What Is It Used For?

Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Oral Suspension contains paracetamol 250mg per 5ml as its active ingredient. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain in children aged 6 to 12 years — including headaches, toothache, sore throats, and earache — and to reduce fever, including fever following childhood vaccinations. It is a General Sale List (GSL) medicine, meaning it can be purchased without a prescription from a registered pharmacy or retailer.

The sugar-free formulation uses aspartame as a sweetener rather than sucrose, making it a more suitable option for children who need to limit their sugar intake or who use liquid paracetamol frequently. It is available in different flavours to help with palatability.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free?

Before giving this medicine to your child, read the following carefully. There are situations where it should not be used, or where extra caution is needed.

Do not use Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free if your child:

• Is under 6 years of age
• Is allergic to paracetamol or any other ingredient in the suspension
• Has severe liver or kidney disease
• Is already taking another medicine containing paracetamol
• Has phenylketonuria (PKU) — this product contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine

Drug interactions — tell your pharmacist if your child is taking:

• Warfarin or other anticoagulants (regular paracetamol use may enhance anticoagulant effect)
• Other paracetamol-containing products (risk of accidental overdose)
• Metoclopramide or domperidone (may increase the rate of paracetamol absorption)
• Cholestyramine (may reduce paracetamol absorption if taken within one hour)

How Should You Use Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free?

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

1. Check the child's age and weight to confirm the correct dose.
2. Shake the bottle thoroughly before measuring.
3. Use the oral syringe or measuring cup provided to draw up the correct dose.
4. Give the suspension directly into the child's mouth, or mix with a small amount of water if preferred.
5. Record the time of each dose to avoid accidental repeat dosing.
6. Do not give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period.
7. Leave at least 4 hours between doses.

Dosage guide by age:

If your child's symptoms persist for more than 3 days, or if their fever is very high or worsening, seek medical advice. You may also find it helpful to browse our cold and flu range for additional supportive products during illness.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free?

Paracetamol is generally well tolerated at recommended doses. Serious side effects are rare but can occur, particularly in cases of overdose or in children with pre-existing liver conditions. Always use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.

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

• Nausea
• Stomach discomfort

Less common or rare side effects:

• Allergic skin reactions (rash, itching, urticaria)
• Swelling of the face, lips, or throat (angioedema) — seek emergency help immediately
• Blood disorders (thrombocytopenia, agranulocytosis) — very rare
• Liver damage — associated with overdose, not therapeutic doses

If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction — particularly facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — stop the medicine immediately and call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.

How Should You Store Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free?

Correct storage helps maintain the medicine's safety and effectiveness. Follow these instructions carefully. If you're managing a child's health at home, our first aid collection has useful products to keep alongside medicines in your home medicine cabinet.

• Store below 25°C — do not refrigerate
• Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources
• Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label
• Once opened, use within 28 days
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacy