Calpol 650 dosage: how to take it

How to take Calpol 650

Take Calpol 650 exactly as your doctor advises or as printed on the pack. Do not take more, more often, or for longer than directed.

• Leave at least 4 hours between doses.
• For adults, the total amount of paracetamol from all medicines must not go above the maximum on the label (commonly 4,000 mg, which is 4 g, in 24 hours) unless a doctor tells you otherwise. Your doctor may set a lower limit if you weigh under 50 kg, drink alcohol regularly or have liver problems.
• Many cold, flu and pain medicines also contain paracetamol. Check the label of anything else you take so you do not take a double dose.
• Swallow the tablet with water. It can be taken with or without food.
• See a doctor if fever lasts more than 3 days, or if pain lasts or keeps coming back.
• Calpol 650 tablets are not suitable for young children. Children need a dose based on their weight, usually as a syrup or drops prescribed by a doctor.

Who should be careful

Most people can take paracetamol safely, but some need to check with a doctor first because they are more at risk of liver damage or need a different dose.

• Liver disease, or a history of liver problems
• Drinking alcohol regularly or heavily
• Body weight under 50 kg, malnutrition, or not eating for a long time
• Serious kidney disease
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: paracetamol is commonly used when needed, but ask your doctor and use the lowest dose for the shortest time
• Past allergic reaction to paracetamol
• Children: use only a children's form at the dose a doctor gives

Medicines and things that interact with Calpol 650

Paracetamol has few interactions, but a few medicines and habits change how safe or effective it is. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about everything you take.

• Other medicines containing paracetamol, including many cold and flu products and some combination painkillers: risk of overdose
• Warfarin and similar blood thinners: regular paracetamol use can increase their effect and the risk of bleeding
• Medicines for epilepsy such as carbamazepine, phenytoin and phenobarbital, and the TB medicines rifampicin and isoniazid: may increase the risk of liver damage
• Metoclopramide and domperidone (for nausea): can make paracetamol work faster
• Cholestyramine (for cholesterol): reduces how much paracetamol is absorbed if taken at the same time
• Flucloxacillin (an antibiotic): taking both can rarely cause a serious build-up of acid in the blood, mainly in people who are very ill
• Alcohol: regular or heavy drinking increases the risk of liver damage

If someone takes too much

Common questions