What is the difference between Calpol (paracetamol) and paracetamol for fever and pain relief?

Calpol vs Paracetamol: Understanding the Difference

Calpol and paracetamol are the same medication—Calpol is simply a brand name for paracetamol (acetaminophen), so there is no difference in the active ingredient or therapeutic effect. 1, 2

What You Need to Know

The Basic Facts

• Calpol is a branded formulation of paracetamol, typically marketed as a liquid suspension for children, though adult formulations exist 3, 4
• The active pharmaceutical ingredient in Calpol is paracetamol (also called acetaminophen in some countries) 5
• Any differences between products labeled "Calpol" versus generic "paracetamol" relate only to formulation (liquid vs tablet), flavoring, or inactive ingredients—not efficacy 3

Clinical Equivalence

• Both provide identical pain relief and fever reduction when dosed appropriately, as the active drug is the same 6, 2
• Standard adult dosing is 1000mg every 6 hours, not exceeding 4g in 24 hours, regardless of whether you use branded or generic paracetamol 1
• For children, the recommended dose is 15mg/kg every 4-6 hours (maximum 60mg/kg/day), whether using Calpol brand or generic paracetamol 4

Safety Profile (Identical for Both)

• Paracetamol/Calpol has minimal gastrointestinal toxicity at recommended doses and is significantly safer than NSAIDs like ibuprofen for GI complications 6, 1
• Hepatotoxicity only occurs with overdose (>4g/24 hours in adults or >140mg/kg/day for several days in children) 3, 7
• No cardiovascular or renal toxicity at therapeutic doses, making it safer than NSAIDs for patients with heart disease or kidney disease 6, 7

When to Choose Paracetamol (Calpol or Generic)

• First-line therapy for mild to moderate pain and fever in all age groups 6, 1, 2
• Preferred over NSAIDs in patients with:
  • History of gastrointestinal bleeding or peptic ulcer disease 1
  • Chronic kidney disease or reduced creatinine clearance 1
  • Cardiovascular disease 6, 1
  • Aspirin-sensitive asthma 5, 7
  • Older adults (no dose reduction needed unless specific contraindications) 7

When Paracetamol Alone May Be Insufficient

• For acute sore throat or more severe pain, ibuprofen provides marginally better pain relief than paracetamol, particularly after the first 2 hours 1, 2
• If paracetamol fails to control fever or pain adequately, add ibuprofen 400mg every 6-8 hours (up to 2.4g daily) rather than exceeding paracetamol limits 1
• Combination therapy (paracetamol + ibuprofen) is more effective than either agent alone for fever and pain control 1, 8

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Do not assume branded products like Calpol are more effective than generic paracetamol—they contain identical active ingredients 3, 5
• Do not exceed 4g/24 hours in adults or 60mg/kg/day in children, regardless of brand name 1, 4
• Do not use subtherapeutic doses (≤10mg/kg in children)—use 15mg/kg for optimal efficacy 4
• Do not switch to NSAIDs without considering GI, renal, and cardiovascular risks, especially in vulnerable populations 6, 1

Cost Considerations

• Generic paracetamol is typically less expensive than branded Calpol while providing identical therapeutic benefit 6
• Choose based on formulation preference (liquid vs tablet) and cost, not on brand name 3