Can you give a child Calpol and Nurofen together? The HSE and NHS answer is: on the same day, yes, but not at the same moment, and not alternating by the clock unless a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has told you to. Below are the Irish doses, the gaps to leave, and the signs that need a GP or a 112 call.
- 38 degrees or above is a fever. The HSE says use paracetamol or ibuprofen when a child has a fever and seems unwell.
- Pick one first. Paracetamol (Calpol) from 2 months, at least 4 hours between doses, no more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Ibuprofen (Nurofen for Children) from 3 months and over 5kg, at least 6 hours between doses, no more than 3 doses in 24 hours.
- If the first has not fully settled your child, you can try the other. Never both at once, and no routine alternating unless advised.
- Never give aspirin under 16. Avoid ibuprofen with chickenpox or dehydration, and ask first if your child has asthma.
- Under 3 months with a fever, a rash that does not fade under a glass, a first fit, or breathing difficulty: get medical help now.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen first?
Either works for a hot, miserable child. The HSE says to start with one and, if it does not fully reduce the symptoms, to try the other. The NHS adds that ibuprofen causes more side effects, so if your child can take paracetamol it is a good idea to try it first. Neither shortens the illness; they keep your child comfortable enough to drink, rest and sleep.
Paracetamol (Calpol) doses for children in Ireland
HSE age bands, matching the Irish Calpol leaflets. Use the syringe or spoon supplied.
| Age | Infant syrup 120mg/5ml (Calpol Infant) | How often |
|---|---|---|
| 2 to 3 months | 2.5ml (60mg) | No more than 2 doses in 24 hours, at least 4 hours apart, unless your GP or nurse advises otherwise (for example after the MenB vaccine). Not under 2 months or 4kg unless prescribed |
| 3 to 6 months | 2.5ml (60mg) | Up to 4 doses in 24 hours, at least 4 hours apart |
| 6 to 24 months | 5ml (120mg) | |
| 2 to 4 years | 7.5ml (180mg) | |
| 4 to 6 years | 10ml (240mg) | |
| Age | Six Plus syrup 250mg/5ml (Calpol 6 Plus) or 250mg Fastmelts | How often |
| 6 to 8 years | 5ml (250mg), or one Fastmelt (6 to 9 years) | Up to 4 doses in 24 hours, at least 4 hours apart |
| 8 to 10 years | 7.5ml (375mg) | |
| 10 to 12 years | 10ml (500mg), or two Fastmelts (9 to 12 years) | |
| 12 to 16 years | 10ml to 15ml (500mg to 750mg) |
Use the pack’s age bands. If your child is very small or big for their age, or was premature, ask us or your GP. Do not give paracetamol for more than 3 days without advice, and if your child vomits straight after a dose, do not repeat it.
Ibuprofen (Nurofen for Children) doses
From the Irish Nurofen for Children Orange 100mg/5ml leaflet. Not under 3 months or 5kg. No more often than every 6 hours, and no more than 3 doses in 24 hours.
| Age | Weight | Dose (100mg/5ml) | How often |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 6 months | 5 to 7.6kg | 2.5ml | 3 times in 24 hours, at least 6 hours apart |
| 6 to 12 months | 7.7 to 9kg | 2.5ml | |
| 1 to 3 years | 10 to 16kg | 5ml | |
| 4 to 6 years | 17 to 20kg | 7.5ml | |
| 7 to 9 years | 21 to 30kg | 10ml | |
| 10 to 12 years | 31 to 40kg | 15ml |
For babies of 3 to 5 months, get medical advice within 24 hours if symptoms persist. From 6 months, do not use for more than 3 days without a doctor. Give it with or after food. Ibuprofen can harm the kidneys of a dehydrated child, so if your child is vomiting, has diarrhoea or is not drinking, use paracetamol and talk to us.
Giving both on the same day: the rules
- You can give paracetamol and ibuprofen on the same day, but not at the same time.
- Start with one. If it has not fully settled your child, you can add the other, keeping each medicine’s own gaps.
- No routine alternating by the clock unless a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has advised it for your child. If they have, write down the time and name of every dose; two bottles at 3am is how double doses happen. Stay within each 24-hour limit.
- Check other medicines: many cold remedies already contain paracetamol. Both medicines can be given alongside antibiotics.
Adults: see our paracetamol and ibuprofen guide.
Calpol Infant Suspension, 140mlParacetamol 120mg/5ml, from 2 months, syringe included.€7.45
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Nurofen for Children Orange 3m+, 150mlIbuprofen 100mg/5ml, from 3 months and 5kg, syringe included.€8.95
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Calpol 6 Plus, 200mlParacetamol 250mg/5ml for ages 6 and over. Also as Calpol Fastmelts.€8.45
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Braun Digital Thermometer PRT 2000Digital underarm thermometer, as the HSE recommends.€19.95
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Always read the leaflet. Keep medicines out of reach of children. Browse baby and child.
Febrile convulsions: what to do
A febrile seizure is a fit brought on by fever, most common from 6 months to 3 years, and the HSE says most children recover completely. Put your child in the recovery position on the floor, stay with them and time it. Do not put anything in their mouth or hold them still. Call 112 or 999 if it is a first fit, it lasts over 5 minutes, they struggle to breathe or do not wake when it stops. Extra doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen do not prevent fits. Our child fever guide has more.
- is under 3 months with 38 degrees or more, or 3 to 6 months with 39 or more
- has a rash with the fever, has been unwell for 5 days or more, or has a temperature that does not come down with the correct dose
- has signs of dehydration, will not eat, is not themselves, or gets worse
Call 112 or 999 if your child:
- has a rash that does not fade under a glass, a stiff neck, dislike of light, or a bulging soft spot
- has a first fit, is drowsy and hard to wake, or has a weak, high-pitched cry
- struggles to breathe, or has pale, blotchy, blue or grey skin
Not sure of the dose? Send us a message
Tell us your child’s age and weight and what you have given, and a pharmacist will check it with you. Out of hours, see our opening hours page.
Calpol and Nurofen FAQs
Can I give Calpol and Nurofen together?
Not at the same time. The HSE says to start with one and, if it does not fully reduce your child’s symptoms, try the other. You can give both on the same day, keeping each medicine’s own gaps and daily limits, but do not alternate routinely unless a doctor, nurse or pharmacist has advised it.
How long after Calpol can I give Nurofen?
There is no set gap between the two different medicines. What matters is the gap between doses of the same one: at least 4 hours for paracetamol and at least 6 hours for ibuprofen. If paracetamol has had time to work and your child is still unwell, you can give ibuprofen then.
How often can I give Nurofen for Children?
No more often than every 6 hours and no more than 3 doses in 24 hours, by age and weight: 2.5ml for babies of 3 to 12 months over 5kg, up to 15ml for 10 to 12 year olds.
Should I alternate Calpol and Nurofen for a high temperature?
Not as a routine. The HSE and NHS advise alternating only if a health professional has told you to. If you have been advised to alternate, write down every dose and time and stay within each medicine’s limits.
Can my child have Nurofen with chickenpox?
No, unless a GP has said so. The HSE advises against ibuprofen in chickenpox because it can increase the risk of serious skin infections. Use paracetamol instead.
Sources
- HSE, High temperature (fever) in children; How and when to give your child paracetamol; Febrile seizures; Chickenpox; How to check your child’s temperature; Weight-based dosing of paracetamol in children (prescriber guide, PDF).
- NHS, Paracetamol for children; Ibuprofen for children; High temperature in children.
- Nurofen for Children Orange 100mg/5ml: Irish patient leaflet (HPRA, PDF); SmPC, medicines.ie.
- Calpol SmPCs on medicines.ie: Calpol 120mg/5ml Infant; Calpol Six Plus 250mg/5ml.
General information for parents in Ireland, not a substitute for personal advice. Always read the leaflet, use the syringe supplied, and ask our pharmacists or your GP about your own child.
