Calpol tablet is an OTC antipyretic medication that is used to reduce fever. It is also a useful alternative to NSAIDs for relieving mild to moderate pain. Following are some common and off-label uses of Calpol tablets:

Common Uses of Calpol Tablet

  1. Fever Reduction: Calpol tablets can be used to reduce fever associated with viral and bacterial infections.
  2. Pain Relief: Calpol tablet is used to relieve mild to moderate pain, such as headache, toothache, menstrual cramps, and back pain.
  3. Post-Vaccination Fever: Calpol tablets can be used to manage fever after vaccination, particularly in children.
  4. Chickenpox: Calpol tablets can be used to manage the fever and pain associated with chickenpox. It is a viral infection that causes fever, body aches, and a blistering rash.
  5. Common Cold: Calpol tablets can be used to relieve the symptoms of the common cold, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. The common cold is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system and can cause a variety of symptoms, including cough, sore throat, and congestion.
  6. Migraine: Calpol tablets can be used to alleviate pain associated with migraines. Calpol is an effective treatment for migraines when used in combination with other medications.
  7. Postoperative Pain Relief: Calpol tablet is often used to manage pain following surgery.
  8. Arthritis Pain Relief: Calpol tablet is sometimes used to relieve pain associated with arthritis.

Off-label Uses of Calpol Tablet

  1. Cancer Pain: In some cases, Calpol tablets may be used as an adjunctive treatment for cancer-related pain, either alone or in combination with other analgesic medications.
  2. Postoperative Pain Management: Calpol tablets may be used off-label as part of a multi-modal approach to manage pain after surgical procedures, including orthopedic surgeries.
  3. Chronic Pain Conditions: Calpol tablets may be used off-label in the treatment of chronic pain conditions, such as chronic lower back pain, when other pain management strategies are insufficient.
  4. Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Pain): Calpol tablets may be used to alleviate the pain associated with menstrual cramps.
  5. Pain in Pregnancy: Calpol tablet is considered safe for use during pregnancy for pain relief and fever reduction, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Calpol Uses and Indications

What is Calpol?

Calpol is one of the leading brands of Paracetamol, manufactured and marketed by Glaxosmithkline Pharmaceuticals Ltd (GSK).

Calpol Alternatives : Paracetamol Other Brands

The following are some alternative brands of Calpol and their manufacturers.

  • Panadol : GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
  • Febrol : Barrett Hodgson Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd.
  • Disprol : Reckitt Benckiser Ltd.
  • Pedrol : Stanley Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.
  • Provas : Sami Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Boschtamol : Bosch Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd
  • Doliprane : Sanofi Aventis (Pakistan) Ltd.
  • Fevamol : Swiss Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd
  • Megapol : Mega Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan.
  • Panaram : Efroze Chemical Industries (Pvt) Ltd, Pakistan.

Calpol : Available Formulations and Strengths

Presently, Calpol is available in Tablet, Syrup, and Suspension forms

Calpol Tablet : 500mg strength

Calpol Syrup: 120mg per 100ml strength

Calpol Six Plus Suspension : Paracetamol 250mg per 5ml strength

Who Should Not Use Calpol?

Although The use of Calpol is effective and safe, however, it does carry certain contraindications that must be taken into consideration.

  • People suffer from liver disease, kidney disease, alcohol-related cirrhosis, low albumin levels, gout, asthma, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia or von Willebrand’s Disease, and any allergies to paracetamol.
  • Pregnant women should use Calpol by consulting their doctor first.
  • It is also important to be aware of some potential precautions when taking Calpol. People who recently had surgery may need to adjust their dosage accordingly.
  • Additionally, people taking anticoagulant drugs (such as warfarin) should exercise caution when using Calpol. Do consult with a doctor before using Calpol if you are currently taking an anticoagulant drug. People who are over 65 years old may need a lower dose than those under 65 because they process drugs more slowly than younger individuals do.

What is the Recommended Daily Dosage of Calpol Tablet?

Calpol Tablet Dose for Adults and Children (12 years of age and older):

  • For Pain Relief: One tablet of 500mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 4gm (4000mg) in 24 hours.
  • For Fever Reduction: 1 – 2 tablets of 500mg every 4-6 hours as needed, not to exceed 4gm (4000mg) in 24 hours.

Calpol Tablet Dose for Children (Ages 6-12 years):

  • 250 mg to 500 mg (half to one standard 500mg tablet) taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
  • The maximum daily dose should not exceed 2000 mg (2 grams).

How Calpol Works?

Calpol is thought to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX), particularly COX-2, in the central nervous system. COX enzymes play a role in the production of prostaglandins, which are chemical messengers that mediate pain, inflammation, and fever. By inhibiting COX-2, it reduces the production of prostaglandins, which helps to alleviate pain and reduce fever.

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Calpol Side Effects