Calprofen Suspension: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Calprofen Suspension is a strawberry-flavoured, colour and sugar free oral suspension containing ibuprofen, a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), designed for babies and children from 3 months old. It is made by the same manufacturer as Calpol. Calprofen is used to help with fever, teething pain, toothache, cold and flu symptoms, sore throat, headaches, and minor muscle aches and pains.

What is Calprofen Suspension

Calprofen is a strawberry-flavoured, colour and sugar free oral suspension containing ibuprofen. It is designed for babies and children from 3 months old, made by the same manufacturer as Calpol.

Calprofen Suspension uses

• Fever (high temperature)
• Fever following vaccinations
• Teething pain and toothache
• Cold and flu symptoms
• Sore throat
• Headaches
• Minor muscle aches and pains

Benefits of Calprofen Suspension

• Helps reduce fever in babies and children.
• Relieves mild to moderate pain.
• Helps ease teething pain and toothache.
• Can relieve headache, sore throat, and earache.
• Helps reduce cold and flu-related aches and fever.
• Reduces inflammation, swelling, and discomfort associated with minor injuries or sprains.

How Calprofen Suspension works

Calprofen contains ibuprofen, a painkiller that belongs to a group of medicines called Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). It relieves pain from headaches, muscle pain, sore throats, earache, toothache, and teething, and also helps reduce fever.

Calprofen Suspension dosage

Shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds before use and then remove the cap. Attach the end of the syringe securely to the top of the bottle, then turn both the syringe and bottle over. Slowly pull down the plunger and use the numbers on the side of the syringe to measure the correct amount of medicine for your child. Turn the bottle back over and remove the syringe. Place the syringe into your child's mouth, aiming between their cheek and gums. Gently press the plunger to release a small amount of medicine at a time into your child's mouth, letting them swallow small amounts if needed.

This product is for short term use only. Each pack comes with an easy dose syringe for measuring the medicine.

Available forms and strengths

• Oral suspension

Side effects of Calprofen Suspension

Common

• Stomach pain or indigestion
• Nausea
• Headache
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Diarrhea or vomiting may occasionally occur

Serious

• Stomach ulcer, bleeding, or perforation
• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)
• Wheezing, bronchospasm, or difficulty breathing
• Severe skin reactions such as Stevens–Johnson syndrome
• Kidney or liver problems
• Rare blood disorders causing unusual bruising, bleeding, fever, or severe tiredness

Warnings and precautions

• If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this product.
• Do not take Calprofen if you have severe kidney failure, or have or have previously had kidney problems. Do not take Calprofen if you have severe liver failure, or have or have previously had liver problems.
• Alcohol may increase the risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding while taking ibuprofen.
• No effect on driving is normally expected at recommended doses. If dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, or visual problems occur, avoid driving.
• Calprofen is not suitable for children under 3 months old, or infants weighing less than 5kg. It should not be used if allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin, other NSAIDs, or any of the other ingredients.
• Do not use if taking other anti-inflammatory painkillers, NSAIDs, or aspirin with a daily dose higher than 75mg, or if you have a stomach ulcer, perforation, or bleeding.
• Do not use if you have or have previously had high blood pressure, heart problems, or a stroke, or conditions that increase risk of heart problems such as diabetes or high cholesterol.
• Do not use if you have asthma or allergic lung diseases, or a history of liver, kidney, heart, or bowel problems, or dehydration.
• Do not use if you suffer from lupus or a similar disease, or a chronic inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Calprofen should not be taken with many other kinds of medicines; check the patient information leaflet for a full list.
• Do not use more than one product containing paracetamol at the same time.

Storage

• Store below 25°C (77°F) or as directed on the product label.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat.
• Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed in its original packaging.
• Do not freeze and avoid storing in very hot or humid areas.
• Keep out of reach and sight of children.

When to see a doctor

• If you or your child experience any side effects while using Calprofen, stop use and speak to your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
• If symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact your doctor.
• Speak to your doctor before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy.

Alternatives

• Paracetamol Suspension
• Panadol Children Suspension
• Generic Ibuprofen Suspension
• Calpol Infant Suspension
• Nurofen for Children