About Calpol 650 Tablet
Calpol 650 Tablet contains Paracetamol 650 mg. This is one of the most widely used medicines for pain and fever. It helps with headache, body ache, toothache, period pain and the fever that comes with colds and flu. It is gentle on the stomach, but taking more than the advised amount can seriously harm the liver.
Uses of Calpol 650 Tablet
- Fever
- Mild to moderate pain such as headache, toothache, body ache and period pain
- Aches and fever with colds and flu
Benefits
In fever
It helps bring a high temperature down so you feel more comfortable. It eases the symptom; it does not treat the cause of the fever.
In pain relief
It eases mild to moderate pain and is often one of the first medicines tried, because it is usually well tolerated by the stomach.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Side effects are uncommon at the recommended dose
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
Get medical help if you notice
- Taking too much (overdose) can cause serious liver damage even if you feel well at first — get medical help straight away if more than the advised amount has been taken
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine or pain in the upper right side of the tummy — contact a doctor straight away
- Skin reactions such as redness, blisters or peeling — stop and get medical help
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor or the label advises. Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food. Leave enough hours between doses and never take more than the maximum amount in 24 hours.
How it works
It acts mainly in the brain to reduce the chemical signals that cause pain and fever. It has very little effect on swelling.
Safety advice
Alcohol Caution
Avoid alcohol, or keep it to a minimum. Regular or heavy drinking raises the risk of liver damage from this medicine.
Pregnancy Caution
It is commonly used for pain and fever in pregnancy. Use the lowest dose that works for the shortest time, and check with your doctor first.
Breastfeeding Safe
Only small amounts pass into breast milk, and it is generally considered suitable while breastfeeding at normal doses.
Driving Safe
It is not expected to affect your ability to drive.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. In severe kidney disease the gap between doses may need to be longer.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease, and only if your doctor advises. Your doctor may advise a lower dose.
If you miss a dose
It is usually taken only when needed. If you are taking it regularly and miss a dose, take it when you remember, keeping the advised gap before the next one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Check the labels of other medicines, including cold and flu remedies — many also contain paracetamol, and taking two can lead to an overdose.
- Do not take more than the maximum daily amount, even if the pain or fever is not better.
- See a doctor if fever lasts more than 3 days or pain lasts more than a few days.
- Keep it out of reach of children.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Same salts, other strengths or forms
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Para-aminophenol (anilide) derivative
- Therapeutic class
- Pain relief / fever
- Action class
- Analgesic and antipyretic
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Not required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other medicines containing paracetamol | Risk of taking too much and liver damage |
| Warfarin | Regular use of paracetamol may increase the blood-thinning effect |
| Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin | May increase the risk of liver harm |
| Alcohol | Increases the risk of liver damage |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Paracetamol prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: paracetamol). Pharmacist review pending.