People are just realising what Calpol means
CALPOL is a stable in most medicines cabinets across Britain.
In fact, 84 per cent of babies will have had some of the sweet, strawberry-flavoured paracetamol syrup by the time they reach six months old.
People on Twitter have been trying to figure out where the nation’s favourite pain killer came from and discussed what they used before its invention.
“I would sleep in my parents’ bed and would be cured by a chelsea bun and Lucozade,” one user said.
Another added: “It was a bowl of steaming water with a blob of Vicks in it, head under a towel, and breath in the steam, whatever the ailment.”
Where does the name Calpol come from?
Calpol first came to millions of parents’ rescue in 1959 by Calmic Limited.
The new syrup was a welcome relief from the extremely bitter paracetamol being given to children at the time.
It’s likely the name Calpol was born from an amalagmation of Calmic and paracetamol.
In 1966, aspirin was losing popularity as a painkiller because it had been linked to gastro-intestinal bleeding.
According to the Guardian, the manufacturer then began to market the pink liquid as “better and safer than aspirin because it is a non-irritant”.
It sold parents a sense of calmness when it came to childcare – as it continues to today.
This is shown by the fact more than five tonnes of Calpol is sold every day – and more than 12 million units each year.
And this is despite other children’s medicines brands costing as little as half the price.
Several studies have even linked Calpol to asthma and kidney, liver and heart damage.
In recent months there has even been a shortage of the medicine.
How long does Calpol take to work?
According to Calpol’s website the products can help relieve stuffy noses, sore throats, aches and pains, fevers and teething.
It can be given with or without food, and you should always follow the instructions on the packaging to determine how much to give and how often.
How fast it works will depend on the child and the product, but according to the website, the Calpol Infant Suspension works on fevers in just 15 minutes.
It is suitable for most babies over two months and children up to six years.
How much Calpol is safe to give my child?
- Aged three to six months – 2.5ml up to four times in 24 hours
- Aged six to 24 months – 5ml up to four times in 24 hours
- Two to four years – 7.5 ml (5ml + 2.5ml) up to four times in 24 hours
- Four to six years – 10ml (5ml + 5ml) up to four times in 24 hours
Do not exceed four doses in 24 hours and at least four hours between dosages.
Do not give this medicine to your child for more than three days without speaking to a doctor or pharmacist.
Can you take Calpol with ibuprofen?
You should talk to your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking any other medicines.
Calpol must not be given with any other medicines that contain paracetamol, as this can easily result in exceeding the recommended dose of paracetamol.
An overdose of paracetamol is dangerous and capable of causing serious damage to the liver and kidneys.
You should never exceed the dose stated in the information leaflet supplied with the medicine.
Get immediate medical advice in the event of an overdose with Calpol, even if your child seems well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage.