Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Strawberry Suspension

What Is Calpol SixPlus 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 SixPlus sugar free suspension is a well-established oral paracetamol liquid designed specifically for children aged 6 years and over. Each 5ml dose contains 250mg of paracetamol, making it appropriately dosed for older children who have outgrown infant formulations. It comes in a familiar strawberry flavour and, as the name suggests, contains no added sugar — a reassuring detail for parents mindful of their child's dental health or sugar intake. You can browse our full range of baby and toddler medicines if you're looking for age-appropriate options across the board.

Paracetamol is one of the most widely used analgesics and antipyretics in the UK, recommended by the NHS for managing mild to moderate pain and fever in children. It has a well-established safety profile when used at the correct dose, and Calpol SixPlus is a trusted household name that many parents reach for at the first sign of illness.

How Does Calpol SixPlus Work to Relieve Pain and Fever?

Paracetamol — the active ingredient in Calpol SixPlus — works primarily in the central nervous system. It inhibits the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers involved in transmitting pain signals and triggering the hypothalamus to raise body temperature. By reducing prostaglandin activity, paracetamol both eases discomfort and brings a fever down. It does not have significant anti-inflammatory effects at standard doses, which distinguishes it from ibuprofen.

• Paracetamol is absorbed rapidly from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration.
• Peak plasma concentration is typically reached within 30–60 minutes of ingestion.
• It is metabolised primarily in the liver and excreted via the kidneys.
• Onset of fever and pain relief is usually noticeable within 30 minutes.

Who Should Use Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Suspension?

This suspension is intended for children aged 6 to 16 years. It is particularly useful for children who struggle to swallow tablets, or where a liquid formulation is simply more practical. The sugar-free formula makes it a sensible choice for children with diabetes or those whose dentist has advised reducing sugar exposure. It is suitable for managing a range of everyday childhood complaints.

• Children aged 6–16 years with mild to moderate pain (e.g. headache, toothache, sore throat, earache).
• Children with a fever, including post-vaccination fever.
• Children who cannot or prefer not to take solid oral dosage forms.
• Children where a sugar-free formulation is clinically preferred.

How Does Calpol SixPlus Compare to Calpol Infant Suspension?

Is Calpol SixPlus Safe to Store at Home?

Calpol SixPlus sugar free suspension should be stored below 25°C and must not be refrigerated, as chilling can affect the consistency of the suspension. Always keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach and sight of children — accidental paracetamol ingestion in children is a medical emergency. Check the expiry date before each use, and do not use the product beyond the date printed on the label. Once opened, use within the period stated in the patient information leaflet. If you're also managing other childhood health concerns, our cold and flu range includes additional products that may help during illness.

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 Suspension and What Is It Used For?

Calpol SixPlus Sugar Free Strawberry Suspension is an oral liquid medicine containing paracetamol 250mg per 5ml. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain in children aged 6 to 16 years — including headaches, toothache, sore throats, and earache — and to reduce fever. The NHS recommends paracetamol as a first-line option for managing pain and high temperature in children, provided it is given at the correct dose for the child's age and weight.

The sugar-free formulation means it does not contain sucrose, which is particularly relevant for children with diabetes or those at higher risk of dental caries. It is available over the counter without a prescription and is classified as a General Sale Medicine (GSL) in the UK.

What Do You Need to Know Before Using Calpol SixPlus?

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

Do not use Calpol SixPlus if your child:

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

Speak to a pharmacist or GP before use if your child:

• Has liver or kidney problems.
• Is underweight or malnourished.
• Has phenylketonuria (PKU) — check the excipients list carefully.
• Is taking warfarin or other anticoagulants, as regular paracetamol use may affect INR.

Known drug interactions:

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

How Should You Use Calpol SixPlus Correctly?

Always use the measuring device provided with the pack — never use a household spoon, as this can lead to inaccurate dosing. Shake the bottle well before each use. Doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart, and no more than 4 doses should be given in any 24-hour period.

1. Shake the bottle thoroughly before opening.
2. Use the oral syringe or measuring cup provided to draw up the correct dose.
3. Administer the suspension directly into your child's mouth.
4. Replace the cap securely after use.
5. Wait at least 4 hours before giving the next dose.
6. Do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

Dosage by age:

If your child's symptoms persist for more than 3 days, or if their fever is very high or accompanied by other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice. You may also find our pain relief collection helpful for broader symptom management options.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of Calpol SixPlus?

Paracetamol is generally very well tolerated when used at the recommended dose. Serious side effects are rare but can occur, particularly in cases of overdose. If you suspect your child has taken too much, go to A&E immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.

Common side effects:

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Stomach discomfort

Less common side effects:

• Skin rash or itching (may indicate an allergic reaction)
• Flushing
• Low blood pressure (hypotension) — very rare with oral use at standard doses
• Blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia or agranulocytosis — extremely rare

Stop giving the medicine and seek immediate medical attention if your child develops swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing, or a severe skin reaction. These may be signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).

How Should You Store Calpol SixPlus?

Correct storage helps maintain the medicine's effectiveness and safety. Follow these instructions carefully.

• Store below 25°C in a dry place.
• 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.
• Do not use after the expiry date printed on the label.
• Do not dispose of medicines via wastewater or household waste — return unused medicine to your pharmacist.

If you're managing your child's health during a cold or flu episode, our first aid collection includes additional products that may be useful to have at home.