Introduction
Calpol and Nurofen are two commonly used pain relievers for children. They contain different active ingredients, and they work in different ways. As such, it is important to know how long to wait between giving your child Calpol and Nurofen.
Calpol vs. Nurofen: What’s the Difference?
Calpol contains paracetamol, which is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Nurofen contains ibuprofen, which is also a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Paracetamol works by blocking the production of prostaglandins, which are hormones that cause pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen works by blocking the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are hormones that cause pain, inflammation, and swelling.
How Long to Wait Between Calpol and Nurofen?
The recommended waiting time between giving your child Calpol and Nurofen is 4 hours. This is because paracetamol and ibuprofen can interact with each other, and taking them too close together can increase the risk of side effects.
Side Effects of Calpol and Nurofen
The most common side effects of Calpol and Nurofen are:
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Dizziness
When to Seek Medical Advice
If your child experiences any of the following side effects after taking Calpol or Nurofen, seek medical advice immediately:
- Rash
- Hives
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Confusion
- Seizures
Conclusion
Knowing how long to wait between giving your child Calpol and Nurofen is important for ensuring their safety. By following the recommended waiting time, you can help to reduce the risk of side effects.
Additional Information
- The recommended dosage of Calpol for children is 5-10 mg/kg of body weight, every 4-6 hours.
- The recommended dosage of Nurofen for children is 5-10 mg/kg of body weight, every 6-8 hours.
- Do not give your child more than the recommended dosage of Calpol or Nurofen.
- If your child is under 2 years old, do not give them Nurofen without first consulting a doctor.
- If your child is taking any other medications, be sure to tell your doctor before giving them Calpol or Nurofen.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I give my child Calpol and Nurofen at the same time?
No, you should not give your child Calpol and Nurofen at the same time. The recommended waiting time between giving your child Calpol and Nurofen is 4 hours.
- What should I do if my child takes too much Calpol or Nurofen?
If your child takes too much Calpol or Nurofen, seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms of an overdose of Calpol or Nurofen can include:
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Diarrhea
* Stomach pain
* Headache
* Dizziness
* Confusion
* Seizures
* Coma
References
Tables
Table 1: Calpol vs. Nurofen
| Feature | Calpol | Nurofen |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Paracetamol | Ibuprofen |
| How it works | Blocks the production of prostaglandins | Blocks the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes |
| Recommended dosage | 5-10 mg/kg of body weight, every 4-6 hours | 5-10 mg/kg of body weight, every 6-8 hours |
| Maximum daily dose | 60 mg/kg of body weight | 40 mg/kg of body weight |
| Side effects | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness | Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, dizziness, rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion, seizures |
Table 2: Recommended Waiting Time Between Calpol and Nurofen
| Age | Recommended waiting time |
|---|---|
| Under 2 years | Do not give Nurofen without first consulting a doctor |
| 2-12 years | 4 hours |
| Over 12 years | 6 hours |
Table 3: Side Effects of Calpol and Nurofen
| Side effect | Calpol | Nurofen |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach pain | Common | Common |
| Nausea | Common | Common |
| Vomiting | Common | Common |
| Diarrhea | Common | Common |
| Constipation | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Headache | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Dizziness | Uncommon | Uncommon |
| Rash | Rare | Rare |
| Hives | Rare | Rare |
| Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat | Rare | Rare |
| Difficulty breathing | Rare | Rare |
| Wheezing | Rare | Rare |
| Chest pain | Rare | Rare |
| Fast or irregular heartbeat | Rare | Rare |
| Confusion | Rare | Rare |
| Seizures | Rare | Rare |
Table 4: When to Seek Medical Advice
| Symptom | Action |
|---|---|
| Rash | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Hives | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Difficulty breathing | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Wheezing | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Chest pain | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Fast or irregular heartbeat | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Confusion | Seek medical advice immediately |
| Seizures | Seek medical advice immediately |
