Calpol 650 vs Dolo 650 for Kids' Fever: Which Is Safer?

CCalpol and Dolo contain the SAME molecule - paracetamol. Calpol is GlaxoSmithKline's brand (₹45/strip of 15 for Calpol 650); Dolo is Micro Labs' (₹30/strip of 15 for Dolo 650). For kids, what matters is not the brand but the FORM and DOSE. Kids need paracetamol syrup dosed by WEIGHT, not age, not tablets split in half. Calpol syrup 250mg/5ml is the most common paediatric form in India. Dolo also has Dolo 125 syrup (125mg/5ml) for small babies. Don't give Calpol 650 tablet to kids - it's a dose for adults 50kg+.

Correct dose: 15 mg per kg body weight per dose. Max 4 doses in 24 hours (every 6 hours). Quick chart using Calpol 250mg/5ml syrup (most Indian pharmacists stock this): 5 kg (3-month old) → 75mg = 1.5ml. 8 kg (6-month) → 120mg = 2.4ml. 10 kg (1-year) → 150mg = 3ml. 15 kg (3-year) → 225mg = 4.5ml. 20 kg (5-year) → 300mg = 6ml. 25 kg (7-year) → 375mg = 7.5ml. 30 kg (10-year) → 450mg = 9ml. 40+ kg (12-year) → 600mg = 12ml (or Calpol 500 tablet). Use measuring cup/syringe that comes with bottle - NEVER kitchen spoon.

Fever is your body fighting infection. It's protective. Rule: Treat the CHILD, not the thermometer. Kid with 101°F, playing, drinking water - no urgent paracetamol needed. Kid with 100°F but uncomfortable, crying, refusing food - give paracetamol. Don't give for fever below 100°F. Don't give 'preventively.' Don't wake sleeping child to give fever medicine. When to worry and call doctor: Fever in baby < 3 months old - always, any temp > 100.4°F. Fever > 102°F beyond 48 hours. Fever + rash, stiff neck, breathing difficulty, severe headache, inconsolable crying, seizure, dehydration. Fever returning after 3 days of paracetamol.

(1) Splitting adult Dolo 650 tablet - uneven distribution, overdose risk. (2) Using teaspoon for syrup - household teaspoons vary 3-7ml (measuring syringe is 5ml). (3) Alternating paracetamol with ibuprofen every 3 hours - confusing, accidental double-dosing. (4) Giving every 4 hours thinking 'more = faster recovery' - paracetamol works 6 hours; extra does nothing. (5) Continuing 5+ days - fever from unresolved cause needs doctor, not more paracetamol. (6) Mixing with honey / milk / horlicks before giving syrup - nothing needed, just pour directly. (7) Giving before school 'just in case' - don't medicate a healthy child.

Paracetamol overdose in kids causes liver failure. Threshold: More than 75mg/kg in 24 hours. Given every 4 hours for days accumulates. Signs: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (day 1) - may seem like fever worsening. Then seemingly 'better' (day 2). Then jaundice, confusion, liver failure (day 3). By time symptoms obvious, irreversible damage done. Prevention: Log every dose (app or paper), use measuring syringe, don't exceed 4 doses in 24 hours, space minimum 6 hours, don't mix with combination meds containing paracetamol (cough syrup, cold meds - check labels). If overdose suspected: ER immediately; antidote (N-acetylcysteine) works if given within 8 hours.

Tepid sponging: Sponge forehead, armpits, groin with room-temperature water (NOT cold - causes shivering which raises temp). 15-20 minutes. Effective especially for high fever (102+). Light clothing: Cotton, single layer. Over-wrapping TRAPS heat. Remove socks if possible. Hydration: Every 30 min, 2-3 sips of water / ORS / coconut water / fruit juice. Dehydration makes fever feel worse. Room temperature: 24-26°C, fan on low. Avoid closed hot rooms. Food: Let kid eat what they want - light khichdi, dal, fruits. Don't force feed. Breastfeed more often for babies. Rest: Cuddles, stories, screen time OK. Don't push play.

Recent Indian paediatric guidance: Alternating paracetamol + ibuprofen NOT routinely recommended. Reasons: (1) Confusing - leads to dosing errors. (2) Fever itself isn't dangerous - discomfort is what we treat. (3) Both carry risk (paracetamol = liver; ibuprofen = stomach, kidney). Stick to one: Paracetamol first-line. If high fever + significant discomfort not responding to max paracetamol dose, doctor may add ibuprofen 10 mg/kg every 8 hours - never without medical advice. For babies < 6 months: paracetamol only. Never aspirin in kids < 16 (Reye's syndrome risk).