Patient leaflet - Paracetamol 250 mg suppositories
1) What Paracetamol Suppositories are and what they are used for
Paracetamol Suppositories contain a medicine called paracetamol. Paracetamol is one of a group of medicines called pain-killers (analgesics). A suppository is a small, torpedo-shaped medicine which is inserted into the back passage (rectum). Paracetamol Suppositories are used to treat pain and high temperature (fever) in children from the age of 6 years. They are used by children who find it difficult to take paracetamol as tablets or syrup.
2) What you need to know before you give Paracetamol Suppositories to your child
Do not give your child these suppositories if:
- They are allergic to paracetamol or the other main ingredient which is called “hard fat”.
Warnings and Precautions
Talk to your child’s doctor or pharmacist before using these suppositories:
- If your child has liver or kidney problems
Other medicines and Paracetamol Suppositories
Please tell your child's doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking, has recently taken or might take, any other medicines. This includes medicines that you buy without a prescription and herbal medicines. This is because the suppositories can affect the way some medicines work and some medicines can have an effect on Paracetamol Suppositories.
In particular, tell your child's doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking any of the following:
Other medicines that contain paracetamol - do not give your child Paracetamol Suppositories at the same time
- Barbiturates (a type of sedative)
- Medicines for epilepsy or fits (also called “anti-convulsants”)
- Medicines such as warfarin for treating blood clots
Do not give your child alcohol, or any medicines containing alcohol whilst they are being given these suppositories.
3) How to use Paracetamol Suppositories
This medicine is for rectal use only. If your child's doctor or pharmacist has told you how to use this medicine, do exactly as they have told you. Otherwise follow the instructions below. If you do not understand the instructions, or are not sure, ask the doctor or pharmacist.
How many Paracetamol Suppositories to give your child
Paracetamol 250 mg Suppositories
Children aged 6 to 9 years (20 - 30kg) – one 250 mg suppository
Children aged 10 to 12 years (30 - 40kg) – one to two 250 mg suppositories
Paracetamol 500mg Suppositories
Children aged 10 to 12 years (30 - 40kg) – one 500 mg suppository
Children aged 12 years and older – one to two 500 mg suppositories
The dosage should be based on your child’s age and weight.
These doses may be repeated up to a maximum of 4 times in 24 hours.
Suppositories should not be given more often than every 4 hours.
If you are not sure how many suppositories to give your child, don't guess, ask your child’s doctor or a pharmacist. Do not give your child this medicine for more than 3 days, without speaking to your child’s doctor.
Do not give your child more suppositories than stated above.
How to use Paracetamol Suppositories
- 1. Your child's bowels need to be empty when you give them this medicine. If your child needs to go to the toilet, make sure they do so before you give them the suppository.
- 2. You may find it easier to give your child the suppository if they are lying on their front or side. Do whichever is more comfortable for your child.
- 3. Wash your hands. Then peel the wrapping apart to remove the suppository. Do not break the suppository before use.
- 4. Gently push the suppository into your child's back passage, pointed end first. Then wash your hands.
- 5. Try to keep your child still for a minute or two.
- 6. If your child needs to be given another suppository remove another one from the wrapper. Then insert it into your child's back passage as before. Once again you should try to keep your child still for a minute or two. Then wash your hands.
If you forget to give Paracetamol Suppositories to your child
- If you forget to give your child a dose of Paracetamol Suppositories, give them as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
- Do not give your child a double dose (two doses at the same time) next time, to make up for a forgotten dose.
Read all of this leaflet carefully before you give this medicine to your child because it contains important information for you and your child.
This medicine is available without prescription. However, you still need to use it carefully to get the best results from it.
- Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
- Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice.
If your child gets any side effects talk to your child’s doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.
If you give more Paracetamol Suppositories to your child than you should
- Do not give your child more suppositories than stated in the section called "How many Paracetamol Suppositories to give your child"
- Immediate medical advice should be sought in the event of an overdose, even if the child seems well, because of the risk of delayed, serious liver damage
4) Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Paracetamol Suppositories can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following side effects can happen with this medicine.
Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
- Redness or soreness in or around the back passage.
Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
- Allergic reactions such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat.
- Skin problems, such as a rash or itching.
- Blood problems. If these happen, your child may bruise or bleed more easily, get infection more easily, or get a high temperature (fever) and ulcers in the mouth and throat.
- Liver problems.
Very rare cases of serious skin reactions have been reported.
If your child gets any of the side effects mentioned above, or gets any side effects not mentioned in this leaflet, talk to your child's doctor or pharmacist.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5) How to store Paracetamol Suppositories
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date shown on this pack. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not store above 25°C. Store in the original package in order to protect from light.
- Return any unused suppositories to the pharmacist, unless your child's doctor has told you to keep them.
- If your medicine becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, you should seek the advice of your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.
- Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6) Contents of the pack and other information
What Paracetamol Suppositories contains
- The active ingredient is paracetamol.
- Each suppository contains 250mg paracetamol.
The other ingredient is Witepsol S58.
What Paracetamol Suppositories look like and contents of the pack
Each suppository is a small, torpedo shaped medicine which is inserted into the back passage (rectum). Each pack contains 10 white suppositories.
PL 46420/0373 Paracetamol 250mg Suppositories P
Who makes and repackages your medicine?
Your medicine is manufactured by Przedsiebiorstwo Produckcji Farmaceutycznej Hasco-Lek S.A. 51-131 Wroclaw, ul. Zmigrodzka 242 E Poland. Procured from within the EU and repackaged by the Product Licence holder: Suerte Pharma Ltd, 4/5 Northolt Trading Estate, Belvue Road, Northolt, Middlesex, UB5 5QS.
Leaflet date: 13.04.2023
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