Paracetamol 120 mg/5 ml: uses, price & cheaper substitutes
Common uses: Fever in babies and young children, including fever after vaccination; Pain – teething, earache, sore throat, headache, aches from cold or flu.
Listed MRPs range from ₹0.64 to ₹0.65 per ml across 6 listings.
Price comparison
| Brand | Manufacturer | Pack | MRP | ₹ / ml | As on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calpol 120 Suspension | Glaxo SmithKline Pharmaceuticals Ltd | 60 ml | ₹38.45 | ₹0.64 | 19 October 2026 |
| Dolo 120 Suspension | Micro Labs Ltd | 60 ml | ₹39.06 | ₹0.65 | 19 October 2026 |
| Pacimol 120 Suspension | Ipca Laboratories Ltd | 60 ml | ₹39.06 | ₹0.65 | 19 October 2026 |
| P 120 Suspension | Apex Laboratories Pvt Ltd | 60 ml | ₹39.06 | ₹0.65 | 19 October 2026 |
| Fevago 120 Suspension | Cipla Ltd | 60 ml | ₹39.05 | ₹0.65 | 19 October 2026 |
| Metacin 120 Suspension | Themis Pharmaceuticals Prop Chemosyn Ltd | 60 ml | ₹39.06 | ₹0.65 | 19 October 2026 |
MRPs as printed/listed on the date shown; actual price may vary.
Uses
- Fever in babies and young children, including fever after vaccination.
- Pain – teething, earache, sore throat, headache, aches from cold or flu.
- Discomfort from viral fevers common in the monsoon, while the doctor rules out dengue or other causes.
How to take it
Shake the bottle for at least 10 seconds and measure with the syringe or spoon supplied. The 120 mg/5 ml infant suspension is for children up to about 5 years; the dose depends on age and weight – as a guide, 2.5 ml for 3 to 5 months, 5 ml for 6 to 23 months, 7.5 ml for 2 to 3 years and 10 ml for 4 to 5 years, up to 4 times in 24 hours with at least 4 hours between doses. Babies under 3 months should only be given paracetamol on a doctor's advice. It can be given with or without food. Do not give for more than 3 days without seeing a doctor, and never add other paracetamol-containing syrups.
Side effects
Common
- Side effects are rare at the correct dose.
- Occasional nausea or stomach upset.
- Mild rash.
Serious
Stop and get medical help urgently if you notice any of these.
- Allergic reaction – swollen face, lips or tongue, itchy raised rash, difficulty breathing.
- Liver damage from overdose – nausea, vomiting, yellow skin or eyes; get medical help even if the child seems fine.
- Easy bruising or nosebleeds (blood cell problems, rare).
Safety information
Alcohol
Not relevant for children; adults using paracetamol should limit alcohol because of liver strain.
Pregnancy
Paracetamol is the usual first-choice painkiller in pregnancy and breastfeeding when needed; this strength is a children's product.
Kidney problems
Tell the doctor if your child has a kidney condition before giving paracetamol.
Liver problems
Do not give if the child has a liver condition unless a doctor advises; overdose harms the liver.
Children
Suitable for most children from 2 months; babies under 3 months only on a doctor's advice. Always dose by age and weight.
Missed dose
Give the next dose when needed, keeping at least 4 hours between doses and no more than 4 doses in 24 hours. Never double up.
Interactions
- Other paracetamol products – cold and flu syrups, Crocin or Calpol drops, combination fever medicines – risk of overdose.
- Ibuprofen syrups (Ibugesic, Brufen) – do not give both at the same time; alternate only if a doctor advises and write down every dose.
- The antibiotic flucloxacillin – tell the doctor.
- Anti-sickness medicines domperidone and metoclopramide – can change how fast paracetamol works.
Frequently asked questions
How much Calpol 120 should I give my baby?
As a guide: 2.5 ml for 3 to 5 months, 5 ml for 6 to 23 months, 7.5 ml for 2 to 3 years and 10 ml for 4 to 5 years, up to 4 times a day at least 4 hours apart. Check the pack and ask your doctor if your baby is under 3 months or underweight.
Calpol 120 vs Calpol 250 – which one for my child?
Calpol 120 (120 mg/5 ml) is the infant strength for children up to about 5 years. Calpol 250 (250 mg/5 ml) is for children 6 years and over. Using the wrong strength with the same ml dose can under- or overdose.
How often can I give Dolo 120 suspension?
Leave at least 4 hours between doses and do not give more than 4 doses in 24 hours. If fever continues beyond 3 days, see a doctor.
Can I give Calpol and Ibugesic together?
Do not give them at the same time. Some doctors advise alternating paracetamol and ibuprofen for stubborn fever, but only on their advice, and write down each dose and time.
Is Calpol 120 safe for a 2 month old baby?
Most babies over 2 months can have paracetamol, but for babies under 3 months give it only when a doctor advises, for example after vaccination. Dose by weight and age.
Does Calpol 120 need a prescription?
No. Paracetamol syrup is sold over the counter in India, but the dose must still be measured carefully and you should see a doctor if a child has fever for more than 3 days or looks unwell.
What if I gave my child too much Calpol?
Get medical advice promptly even if the child seems fine – paracetamol overdose can damage the liver without early symptoms. Take the bottle and note how much was given.
Can I use Calpol 120 for fever in dengue season?
Paracetamol is the fever medicine of choice when dengue is possible, because ibuprofen and aspirin can increase bleeding risk. If fever lasts, or there is rash, vomiting or bleeding, see a doctor for a test.
Sources
- NHS – Paracetamol for children (Calpol) (19 October 2026)
- NPPA Pharma Sahi Daam (ceiling prices) (19 October 2026)
- PMBI Jan Aushadhi Product & MRP List (19 October 2026)
Medyzen Editorial Team · Last updated
This page is general information, not medical advice. Do not start, stop or change a medicine without asking a doctor or pharmacist. Terms