Drug Class: Analgesic (Pain Reliever) + Antipyretic (Fever Reducer) | Form: Oral Suspension | Prescription Status: Over-the-Counter (OTC) — DRAP Registered
What is Febrol Syrup 60ml?
Febrol Syrup 60ml is a standard-strength Paracetamol oral suspension containing 120mg of Paracetamol in every 5ml dose. It is used to relieve mild to moderate pain (درد) and reduce fever (بخار) in both children and adults. Paracetamol — also known internationally as Acetaminophen — is one of the most widely used, thoroughly studied, and well-established medicines in the world for safe and effective pain and fever management. It works centrally in the brain to reduce fever by acting on the body's temperature control centre and relieves pain by blocking the production of pain-signalling chemicals. Febrol Syrup at 120mg per 5ml is the standard paediatric concentration — making it particularly suitable for younger children and infants above 3 months of age where smaller, precisely measured doses are needed for safe weight-based dosing. The pleasant-tasting suspension makes administration easier for children who cannot swallow tablets or capsules. Febrol Syrup must always be dosed strictly according to the child's body weight — never by age or guesswork alone — and the maximum safe daily dose must never be exceeded to prevent the risk of serious liver damage. As the standard-strength formulation, Febrol Syrup differs from Febrol DS (Double Strength — 240mg per 5ml) in that it delivers a lower concentration per 5ml, making it more appropriate for younger and lighter children requiring smaller measured volumes.
What is Febrol Syrup Used For?
Febrol Syrup 60ml is approved for the relief of the following conditions in children and adults:
- Fever (Pyrexia) — reduction of raised body temperature caused by infections, immunisations, teething, or general illness in children and adults (بخار — جسم کا بڑھا ہوا درجہ حرارت کم کرنا)
- Post-Immunisation Fever and Discomfort — fever, irritability, and injection-site discomfort following childhood vaccinations — one of the most frequent indications for paediatric Paracetamol suspension
- Headache — mild to moderate head pain associated with fever, cold, flu, sinusitis, or general tension (سردرد)
- Toothache and Teething Pain — dental pain in older children and adults and teething discomfort in infants of appropriate age (دانت کا درد اور دانت نکلنے کی تکلیف)
- Earache — pain associated with ear infections or cold-related ear discomfort (کان کا درد)
- Sore Throat Pain — pain and discomfort from tonsillitis, pharyngitis, or upper respiratory tract infections
- Cold and Flu Symptoms — fever, body aches, headache, and general discomfort associated with common cold and influenza (نزلہ زکام اور فلو)
- Mild to Moderate Body Pain — muscle aches, joint discomfort, and general body pain in children and adults
- Post-Operative and Post-Procedural Pain — mild pain relief following minor surgical or dental procedures
- Menstrual Pain in Adolescents — relief of mild period pain in teenage girls
How Does Febrol Syrup Work?
Paracetamol — the sole active ingredient in Febrol Syrup — works through two well-understood central mechanisms to relieve pain and reduce fever:
Antipyretic Action — How Febrol Reduces Fever: The body's temperature is controlled by a region of the brain called the hypothalamus — which functions as the body's internal thermostat. During infection or illness, immune cells release chemical messengers called pyrogens that trigger the production of prostaglandins — particularly prostaglandin E2 — in the hypothalamus. These prostaglandins raise the hypothalamus's temperature set-point, causing the body to generate and conserve more heat — producing a fever. Paracetamol works by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes specifically within the central nervous system — blocking the synthesis of these fever-producing prostaglandins at the hypothalamus. By reducing prostaglandin levels at the brain's thermostat, Paracetamol resets the temperature set-point back toward normal — allowing the body to release excess heat through natural mechanisms such as sweating and skin vasodilation. Fever typically begins to reduce within 30 to 45 minutes of giving the correct weight-based dose of Febrol Syrup. Importantly — unlike NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen — Paracetamol's COX inhibition is primarily central and does not significantly affect prostaglandins in the stomach lining or platelets, which is why it does not cause stomach irritation or bleeding risk at recommended doses.
Analgesic Action — How Febrol Relieves Pain: Paracetamol relieves mild to moderate pain through its central action on pain processing pathways in both the brain and spinal cord. It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis centrally — reducing the sensitisation of pain receptors in the central nervous system that amplifies the perception of pain signals coming from the body. Paracetamol also enhances the activity of descending pain-inhibitory pathways in the spinal cord — natural pain-suppressing signals that reduce the intensity of upward-travelling pain impulses before they reach conscious awareness. There is also evidence that Paracetamol activates the endocannabinoid system — producing additional analgesic effects through a mechanism distinct from its COX inhibitory action. Together these central mechanisms provide effective, reliable relief from a wide range of mild to moderate pain without the gastrointestinal irritation or bleeding risk of anti-inflammatory pain medicines.
Standard Strength — 120mg per 5ml: The 120mg per 5ml concentration of Febrol Syrup is the internationally recognised standard paediatric concentration for liquid Paracetamol — making it the most familiar and widely used strength for dosing young children and infants above 3 months of age. At this concentration, the measured volume needed to deliver the correct weight-based dose of 15mg per kg is easy to calculate and administer accurately. This standard concentration also makes it straightforward to cross-reference doses with weight-based dosing charts provided by doctors, pharmacists, and health guidelines.
Dosage and Administration
⚠️ Always calculate the dose based on the child's current body weight — not age alone. The correct dose of Paracetamol is 15mg per kilogram of body weight per dose. Never exceed 4 doses in any 24-hour period. Never give doses less than 4 hours apart. Never exceed the maximum safe daily dose. Even a small overdose of Paracetamol can cause serious and potentially fatal liver damage (جگر کو نقصان) — symptoms of which may not appear for 24 to 72 hours after the overdose.
| Child's Body Weight | Volume of Febrol Syrup (120mg/5ml) | Paracetamol Dose Delivered | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 to 5 kg (approx. 3 to 6 months) | 2.5ml | 60mg | Every 4 to 6 hours — max 4 doses in 24 hours |
| 6 to 8 kg (approx. 6 to 12 months) | 4ml | 96mg | Every 4 to 6 hours — max 4 doses in 24 hours |
| 9 to 12 kg (approx. 1 to 3 years) | 5ml | 120mg | Every 4 to 6 hours — max 4 doses in 24 hours |
| 13 to 16 kg (approx. 3 to 5 years) | 7.5ml | 180mg | Every 4 to 6 hours — max 4 doses in 24 hours |
| 17 to 20 kg (approx. 5 to 7 years) | 10ml | 240mg | Every 4 to 6 hours — max 4 doses in 24 hours |
| Adults and children over 50kg | 20ml to 25ml (or switch to tablet form) | 480mg to 600mg | Every 4 to 6 hours — max 4 doses in 24 hours |
Doses above are approximate guides based on standard 15mg/kg dosing. Always confirm the exact dose in millilitres with your pharmacist or doctor based on the child's precise current weight.
How to Give Febrol Syrup Correctly:
- Shake the bottle well before every dose — the suspension settles between uses and must be mixed evenly before measuring
- Use only the measuring oral syringe or graduated spoon provided with the bottle — never use a household teaspoon as sizes vary significantly and inaccurate dosing can result in underdosing or dangerous overdosing
- Measure the dose carefully at eye level to ensure absolute accuracy
- For young children — use the oral syringe and administer slowly into the inside of the cheek in small amounts — allowing the child to swallow between each small squirt to prevent choking or gagging
- The suspension can be given with or without food — if the child's stomach is sensitive, giving after a small amount of food or milk reduces any nausea
- Do not mix with other foods, formula, or drinks before measuring — this makes accurate dosing impossible and may affect absorption
- Write down the time of every dose given — this prevents accidental double-dosing and helps confirm safe intervals between doses
- Replace the cap securely after every use and return the bottle to a safe, locked location out of children's reach
- Never give more than 4 doses in any 24-hour period
- Always leave at least 4 hours between consecutive doses
- Do not use for more than 3 consecutive days for fever or 5 days for pain without doctor review
- Never combine with any other medicine containing Paracetamol — many children's cold, cough, and combination medicines also contain Paracetamol — always read every ingredient label carefully before combining any two medicines
Active Ingredient
| Ingredient | Strength per 5ml | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | 120mg per 5ml | Analgesic and antipyretic — relieves mild to moderate pain and reduces fever through central prostaglandin inhibition |
Who Should NOT Use Febrol Syrup?
Do not give this suspension to anyone who:
- Is allergic to Paracetamol, Acetaminophen, or any other ingredient in this suspension — including colouring or flavouring agents
- Has severe liver disease or active liver failure (جگر کی شدید بیماری) — Paracetamol is processed by the liver and causes serious additional liver damage in patients with severe pre-existing liver disease
- Has severe kidney disease — Paracetamol metabolites require kidney clearance — severe kidney impairment requires medical assessment before use
- Has already received any Paracetamol dose within the last 4 hours from any source — including other cold, cough, flu, or combination medicines containing Paracetamol
- Is a newborn infant under 3 months of age without specific medical prescription and supervision — fever in very young infants is always a medical emergency requiring urgent doctor assessment regardless of medicine availability
Tell your doctor or pharmacist before use if the patient:
- Has any liver condition — including hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, or Gilbert's syndrome — even mild liver disease requires caution with Paracetamol dosing
- Has any kidney condition — dose adjustment or increased monitoring may be needed
- Is underweight, malnourished, or has had very poor food intake — reduced liver metabolic reserves increase the risk of liver toxicity even at standard recommended doses
- Is taking medicines for epilepsy (e.g., Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbitone) or tuberculosis (e.g., Rifampicin, Isoniazid) — these medicines significantly increase liver metabolism of Paracetamol and raise the risk of liver toxicity
- Is taking Warfarin (blood thinner) — regular Paracetamol use enhances anticoagulant effect and increases bleeding risk
- Has glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency — use with caution and inform your doctor
- Is pregnant or breastfeeding — Paracetamol is generally considered the safest pain and fever medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding but always inform your doctor and use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration
Side Effects
Paracetamol is one of the safest and best-tolerated medicines available when used correctly at the recommended dose. Side effects at correct therapeutic doses are rare. Not everyone will experience them.
Common Side Effects (relatively frequent):
- Mild nausea or stomach discomfort — usually temporary and reduced significantly by giving with a small amount of food
- Mild allergic skin rash — in patients sensitive to Paracetamol or to colouring or flavouring agents in the suspension formulation — stop the medicine and consult a pharmacist if a rash appears
- Mild drowsiness — occasional, temporary, and not related to the Paracetamol itself but to the relief of fever-related discomfort
Serious Side Effects (rare but critical — seek medical help immediately):
- Liver damage (Hepatotoxicity) — the most serious risk associated with Paracetamol — almost entirely caused by overdose, too-frequent dosing, or combining with other Paracetamol-containing medicines. Early signs of Paracetamol liver toxicity include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and upper right abdominal pain — typically appearing 24 to 72 hours after an excessive dose. Yellowing of skin or eyes (یرقان — jaundice), extreme weakness, and confusion may follow in severe cases. Critically — the patient may appear completely well for the first 12 to 24 hours after a dangerous overdose — do not wait for symptoms to develop. Go to hospital immediately if overdose is suspected
- Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) — sudden widespread rash, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or collapse — seek emergency help immediately — this is extremely rare with Paracetamol but can occur
- Serious skin reactions — very rarely, Paracetamol has been associated with severe skin reactions including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis — early signs include spreading blistering rash, peeling skin, and painful mouth sores — stop the medicine immediately and seek emergency help
- Blood disorders — very rarely, long-term excessive Paracetamol use can affect blood cell production — signs include unusual bruising, extreme unexplained fatigue, or pale skin — stop and consult a doctor
⚠️ If you suspect a child or adult has taken more than the recommended dose of Paracetamol from any source — even if they appear completely well and have no symptoms — go to the nearest hospital emergency immediately. Do not wait. Early treatment of Paracetamol overdose with N-acetylcysteine is highly effective but must be given within hours — delays beyond 8 to 10 hours dramatically worsen outcomes and liver damage may become irreversible.
Drug Interactions
| Medicine / Substance | Possible Effect |
|---|---|
| Other Paracetamol-containing medicines (cold syrups, combination fever medicines, cough preparations, teething gels) | The most dangerous and most common interaction — combined Paracetamol from multiple sources causes accidental overdose and serious liver damage. Always read the full ingredient list of every medicine before combining. Ask your pharmacist if unsure |
| Warfarin (blood thinner) | Regular Paracetamol use enhances the anticoagulant effect of Warfarin — increasing bleeding risk. Monitor INR and inform doctor if Paracetamol is needed regularly |
| Carbamazepine, Phenytoin, Phenobarbitone (epilepsy medicines) | These enzyme-inducing medicines significantly increase the liver's metabolism of Paracetamol — producing more of a toxic metabolite and raising the risk of liver damage even at normal doses — inform doctor before use |
| Rifampicin and Isoniazid (tuberculosis medicines) | Accelerate liver breakdown of Paracetamol — increasing toxic metabolite production and liver toxicity risk — inform doctor |
| Metoclopramide or Domperidone (anti-vomiting medicines) | Speed up gastric emptying and increase the rate of Paracetamol absorption — leading to faster but potentially higher peak blood levels |
| Cholestyramine (cholesterol medicine) | Significantly reduces Paracetamol absorption if taken at the same time — take Paracetamol at least 1 hour before Cholestyramine |
| Alcohol | Not applicable for young children — however older adolescents and adults must be aware that alcohol significantly increases the risk of Paracetamol-induced liver toxicity — avoid alcohol when taking Paracetamol |
Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines — prescription, OTC, herbal, or supplements — currently being taken before using Febrol Syrup.
Storage Instructions
- Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place
- Keep away from direct sunlight and excessive heat
- Do not refrigerate or freeze the suspension
- Keep completely out of reach of children at all times (بچوں کی پہنچ سے بالکل دور رکھیں) — accidental Paracetamol ingestion by young children is a medical emergency
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the bottle or outer box
- Shake well before every use — the suspension settles between doses
- Keep the bottle cap tightly closed after every use
- Discard any remaining suspension after the treatment episode is complete or after the in-use shelf life stated on the label — do not store opened suspension indefinitely
- Do not use if the suspension appears unusual in colour, consistency, or smell compared to when first opened
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Febrol Syrup used for?
Febrol Syrup 120mg per 5ml is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce fever in children and adults. It effectively treats headache, toothache, earache, sore throat pain, body aches, post-vaccination fever, and cold and flu symptoms. Paracetamol works centrally in the brain to block fever-producing and pain-signalling prostaglandins — providing fast, reliable, and well-tolerated relief within 30 to 45 minutes of the correct dose.
What is the difference between Febrol Syrup and Febrol DS Syrup?
The only difference is the concentration of Paracetamol per 5ml. Febrol Syrup contains 120mg of Paracetamol per 5ml — the standard paediatric concentration, most suitable for younger and lighter children who need smaller volumes for accurate weight-based dosing. Febrol DS (Double Strength) contains 240mg of Paracetamol per 5ml — meaning the same therapeutic dose is delivered in half the volume. Febrol DS is more practical for older and heavier children who require larger doses and where a smaller volume is easier to administer. The medicine itself — Paracetamol — is identical in both products. Never substitute one strength for the other without recalculating the correct dose volume.
How do I calculate the right dose of Febrol Syrup for my child?
Always calculate the dose based on your child's current body weight — not their age. The correct dose of Paracetamol is 15mg per kilogram of body weight per dose. To calculate the volume of Febrol Syrup (120mg per 5ml) needed — multiply your child's weight in kilograms by 15 to get the dose in milligrams, then divide by 24 (since there are 24mg of Paracetamol per ml) to get the volume in millilitres. For example — a child weighing 10kg needs 150mg — which is 6.25ml of Febrol Syrup. Ask your pharmacist to calculate and write down the exact volume for your child's weight every time you collect the medicine.
Can I give Febrol Syrup and a cold syrup at the same time?
Only if you have confirmed that the cold syrup does not also contain Paracetamol. Many children's cold, cough, and flu combination syrups sold in Pakistan contain Paracetamol as one of their active ingredients. Giving Febrol Syrup at the same time as another Paracetamol-containing medicine doubles the Paracetamol dose and significantly increases the risk of liver toxicity. Always read the complete ingredient list on every medicine label before combining. When in doubt — ask your pharmacist before giving any two medicines together.
My child's fever came back 3 hours after giving Febrol — can I give another dose?
No — you must wait at least 4 hours between doses, even if the fever returns before that time. Giving doses too frequently is one of the most common causes of accidental Paracetamol overdose in children. If your child's fever is returning very quickly between doses, is very high (above 39.5°C), is not adequately controlled with correct doses of Paracetamol, or is accompanied by rash, difficulty breathing, febrile convulsion, or extreme drowsiness — seek medical attention rather than giving more medicine. Persistent or very high fever always requires proper medical assessment to find and treat the underlying cause.
Is Febrol Syrup safe for newborns and young infants?
Febrol Syrup at 120mg per 5ml should not be given to newborns under 3 months of age without specific medical prescription and supervision. In infants under 3 months, fever is always considered a medical emergency — these babies must be seen by a doctor immediately regardless of what medicines are available at home. For infants between 3 and 6 months, always consult your doctor or pharmacist to confirm the exact dose in millilitres based on the baby's precise weight before giving any Paracetamol suspension.
⚕️ Medical Disclaimer: This product description is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you suspect a child or adult has taken too much Paracetamol from any source — go to the nearest hospital emergency immediately even if they appear well.
DRAP Registered | Over-the-Counter (OTC) | Always dose by body weight — not age | Shake well before use | Never combine with other Paracetamol-containing medicines | Keep completely out of reach of children
