Effective period

The duration of action of the paracetamol suppositories depends on the dose of the suppository. On average the suppositories work for 6 to 8 hours, slightly longer in infants and slightly shorter in adults. Therefore, babies younger than three months and weighing three to four kilograms can take two suppositories a day with a dose of 75 milligrams of paracetamol. Adults may take 1000 milligrams of paracetamol four times a day, which corresponds to a duration of action of up to 6 hours.

Application

The paracetamol suppositories described above are particularly suitable for use in children, toddlers and infants. Low-dose suppositories adapted to the lower body weight of children are available. In contrast to paracetamol tablets, suppositories are used rectally.

They are inserted into the rectum through the anus (sphincter). There the suppositories dissolve and the active ingredient, i.e. paracetamol, is absorbed. Due to their rapid absorption, suppositories act faster than tablets, which is another advantage in addition to the simplicity of use.

If paracetamol suppositories are to be used for more than 72 hours, a doctor must be contacted. Paracetamol suppositories are generally not intended to be divided. If it is necessary in exceptional cases, the suppository should always be divided lengthwise.

The reason for dividing the suppository lengthwise is that the active substance sinks and is more concentrated in the tip of the suppository. This problem can be avoided by splitting the suppository lengthwise to obtain two equal halves. If necessary, the suppository can be divided with a heated knife. The other half should be used or discarded shortly.Paracetamol suppositories are available in different dosages and package sizes without prescription in pharmacies.

Dosage for baby

Paracetamol suppositories are dosed according to body weight and age. As a rule, a single dose corresponds to about 10 to 15 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. 60 milligrams per kilogram of body weight correspond to the maximum daily total dose.

Between the suppositories you should pause for at least 6 hours. Babies who are younger than 3 months and weigh about 3 to 4 kilograms should be given Paracetamol suppositories with a dose of 75 milligrams if necessary. The suppositories may be given every 8 – 12 hours, i.e. a maximum of two suppositories with 75 milligrams of paracetamol a day.

Babies who weigh 4 to 5 kilograms may also receive a suppository containing 75 milligrams, but at intervals of 6 to 8 hours. This means that 3 suppositories (225 milligrams of paracetamol in total) may be given per day. Babies older than three months and weighing about 5 to 6 kilograms may receive a suppository containing 75 milligrams of paracetamol at 6-hour intervals.

This means that these babies may receive four suppositories a day, but no more than four suppositories (300 milligrams paracetamol) a day. For babies weighing 7 – 9 kilograms or more, i.e. babies aged about 6 to 9 months, suppositories containing 125 milligrams of paracetamol are available. A maximum of 3 suppositories of this dose may be given per day. Babies and toddlers from 9 to 12 kilograms body weight, i.e. from about 9 months to 2 years of age, may also receive a single dose of suppositories containing 125 milligrams of paracetamol, but no more than four suppositories (500 milligrams in total) per day.