Child Details
Weight between 3–60 kg. Use accurate scale weight, not estimated.
Under 3 months: do not give without doctor's advice.
Measured rectally, orally, or via digital axillary thermometer.
Based on IAP and WHO guidelines (10–15 mg/kg/dose). This is a reference tool — consult your paediatrician for medical advice.
| Formulation | Give |
|---|---|
Calpol / Generic Syrup 120 mg per 5 ml (infant syrup) | 10.4 ml |
Calpol DS / Generic Syrup 250 mg per 5 ml (paediatric syrup) | 5.0 ml |
Dolo 250 / Crocin 250 250 mg tablet | 1.0 tab |
Safe Fever Management for Indian Parents
Why Weight-Based Dosing Is Critical
One of the most common medication errors in Indian households is giving children the same dose as an adult or using age alone to estimate dosage. Paracetamol dose must always be calculated by body weight. A common misconception is that "one Calpol spoon (5 ml = 120 mg)" is always sufficient — but for a child weighing 25 kg, the correct dose is over 300 mg, requiring more than 12 ml of the infant formulation. Under-dosing leaves the fever uncontrolled; over-dosing, especially of adult formulations, can cause serious liver damage in children. Always measure with a proper oral syringe, never a teaspoon.
Understanding Fever in Children
Fever is defined as a body temperature above 38°C (100.4°F). It is a normal immune response, not an illness itself. In most children, fever above 38°C but below 39°C with normal behaviour does not require immediate medication — the Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends treating the child, not the thermometer number. However, fever above 39°C with discomfort warrants paracetamol. Important exception: any fever in an infant under 3 months requires immediate emergency medical evaluation regardless of the temperature reading, as infections in this age group can deteriorate rapidly.
Fever During Monsoon Season in India
In India's monsoon season (June–September), fever in children carries additional concern due to the high prevalence of dengue, malaria, and typhoid. Dengue fever is particularly important — ibuprofen and aspirin are strictly contraindicated in suspected dengue due to bleeding risk, making paracetamol the only safe antipyretic. However, dengue fever can cause rapid platelet drops, and parents should not manage fever at home beyond 2–3 days without a doctor's assessment. Any fever accompanied by severe headache, eye pain, rash, or bleeding signs requires immediate hospital evaluation.
Common Questions
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