What Is Paracetamol?
Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is the first-choice fever and pain medicine for children in Singapore, sold as Panadol and Cafmol. It works on the brain's temperature control centre to bring a fever down and ease discomfort, but it does not treat the infection causing it. What it is, how it works, side effects, and how to store it safely.
What is paracetamol?
Paracetamol, also called acetaminophen, is a medicine used to bring down fever and ease pain. In Singapore it is most commonly sold as Panadol, with Cafmol as another brand. Both contain the same active ingredient, paracetamol, in different bottles and strengths.
It is the first medicine most doctors and pharmacists in Singapore suggest for a child's fever, because it works for almost all children, is gentle on the stomach, and has a long track record of safe use at the correct dose.
Do not give paracetamol to a baby under 3 months unless a doctor advises it.
How it works
A fever happens because the brain temporarily raises the body's temperature set point as part of fighting an infection. Paracetamol acts mainly on the part of the brain that controls this set point, reducing the chemical signals that tell the body to run hotter. The body then works to bring its temperature back down toward normal.
The same effect that lowers the set point also eases the aches, headache, and general discomfort that often come with a fever. It usually starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts around 4 to 6 hours, which is why doses are spaced that far apart.
Forms it comes in
The most common form for babies and young children. Comes in different concentrations (120 mg/5 ml or 250 mg/5 ml), so check the label and measure with the syringe provided.
Used for older children who can safely chew or swallow tablets, usually from school age.
Inserted into the back passage, useful if your child is vomiting or refusing medicine by mouth. Same medicine, different route. A suppository is a paracetamol dose on the same clock and daily limit as syrup or tablets.
→ How to give a paracetamol suppository, step by step
Side effects
At the correct dose, most children do not have any noticeable side effects from paracetamol. A small number of children have an allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, or swelling. If this happens, stop giving it and check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving paracetamol again. Swelling of the lips, face or tongue, or difficulty breathing: call 995.
The serious risk with paracetamol is liver damage, and this comes from taking more than the recommended dose, not from using it correctly. Symptoms of an overdose can be delayed by hours or days, so if you think your child has had too much, do not wait for symptoms before getting advice.
Combination cold, flu and cough medicines can also contain paracetamol. Giving one on top of a paracetamol dose is a common way children get too much. Check the active ingredients on every label.
→ What overdose symptoms look like and what to do while waiting for help
Storing it safely
- Keep the bottle at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Singapore's heat and humidity can affect some liquid medicines, so avoid leaving bottles in a car, on a windowsill, or near the kitchen stove.
- Keep medicine in its original container with the dosing syringe or cup, so the concentration and dose markings stay clear.
- Store it out of children's reach and sight, ideally in a cabinet rather than a bag or drawer a child can open.
- Check the expiry date before each use, and follow any "use within X months of opening" note on the label for liquid medicines.
→ What is ibuprofen, and how is it different?
When to get help now
Call 995 now if your child has a fever and any of these:
- !A seizure lasting more than 5 minutes (give rectal diazepam if a doctor has prescribed it, and still call)
- !Struggling to breathe (skin pulling in under the ribs, nostrils flaring, or grunting), pauses in breathing, or lips turning blue or grey
- !Cannot be woken, or floppy and not responding to you
- !A rash of small red or purple spots that does not fade when you press a glass on it
- !Swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, with any difficulty breathing
- !Cold, clammy, or mottled skin, with drowsiness or restlessness
Go to the nearest 24-hour A&E or children's emergency now if:
- !A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38.0°C or above
- !A first febrile seizure, even if it has stopped
- !After a seizure: confused, still drowsy after 30 minutes, or more than one seizure in a day
- !A stiff neck, or crying in pain when bending the head forward
- !Unusually drowsy or hard to wake, but can be woken
- !Dengue warning signs as the fever comes down: tummy pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding gums or nose, or very tired
- !No urine or wet nappy for 12 hours or more
- !No tears when crying, sunken eyes, or a very dry mouth
- !Cannot keep any fluids down
- !Green vomit
- !A temperature above 40°C that is not coming down, and your child seems unwell
Frequently asked questions
Is paracetamol the same as Panadol?+
Yes. Paracetamol is the active ingredient, the medicine itself. Panadol and Cafmol are brand names for products that contain paracetamol. The label will show "paracetamol" as the active ingredient regardless of which brand is on the box.
How does paracetamol bring down a fever?+
It acts on the part of the brain that controls body temperature, reducing the chemical signals that tell the body to run hotter. This brings the temperature down and eases the aches that often come with a fever. It takes 30 to 60 minutes to start working.
Does paracetamol treat the infection causing the fever?+
No. Paracetamol manages the fever and discomfort, not the underlying cause. A fever is part of how the body fights infection, so it is normal for it to return as the medicine wears off. The infection itself runs its own course, with or without paracetamol.
What are the side effects of paracetamol in children?+
At the correct dose, side effects are uncommon. A small number of children have an allergic reaction, such as a rash or swelling, and should not be given paracetamol again until a doctor has reviewed it. Swelling of the lips, face or tongue, or difficulty breathing: call 995. The more serious risk, liver damage, comes from taking more than the recommended dose, not from normal use.
Can paracetamol be given on an empty stomach?+
Yes. Unlike ibuprofen, paracetamol does not need to be given with food and is gentler on the stomach. This makes it a reasonable first choice if your child has not eaten or has an upset stomach.
How should I store paracetamol at home?+
Keep it at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat, in its original bottle with the dosing syringe. Singapore's heat and humidity can affect some liquid medicines, so avoid leaving bottles in a car or near a window. Store it out of children's reach and sight, and check the expiry date before each use.