Paracetamol Suppositories

Paracetamol Suppositories

What are Paracetamol Suppositories used for?

Paracetamol Suppositories are a painkiller (analgesic) inserted into the back passage (rectum) to relieve mild to moderate pain and reduce a high temperature (fever). They belong to a group of medicines called analgesics and come in a small torpedo-shaped form that’s inserted rectally rather than swallowed. They can help with headaches, toothache, earache, sore throats and the aches and pains that come with colds and flu.

Paracetamol Suppositories can be a good option if swallowing tablets or liquid medicine isn’t possible, like when nausea or vomiting is making it hard to keep anything down.

If symptoms don’t improve or get worse after 3 days, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Who can use Paracetamol Suppositories?

The 250mg suppositories are for children aged 6 to 12 years. The 500mg suppositories are for children over 10 years old and adults.

Don’t use Paracetamol Suppositories if you or your child:

• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to paracetamol, soya, peanuts or any of the other ingredients
• Are already taking any other medicines that contain paracetamol

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use if you or your child:

• Have liver or kidney problems
• Have a severe illness, malnutrition or a history of chronic alcoholism
• Are taking flucloxacillin, as this combination carries a rare but serious risk of a blood and fluid problem called metabolic acidosis

If you’re pregnant, Paracetamol Suppositories can be used at the lowest dose that helps, for the shortest time needed. Contact your doctor if pain or fever doesn’t ease or if you need to use them more often than advised.

How To Use Paracetamol Suppositories

Paracetamol Suppositories are for rectal use only. Always take this medicine exactly as described here, or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

Empty your bowels before use if you need to. It can help to lie on your front or side on a bed.

To insert the suppository:

1. Wash your hands
2. Peel back the wrapping to remove the suppository. Don’t break the suppository before use.
3. Gently push the suppository into the back passage, pointed end first. Warming it slightly between your hands first can make this easier
4. Stay still for a minute or two, then wash your hands again

If you’re giving the suppository to a child, make sure your child’s bowels are empty beforehand and insert it into your child’s back passage the same way.

Always check the correct dosage before use.

Paracetamol Suppository Dosage

How many suppositories to give your child, or use as an adult, depends on age and weight:

• 250mg strength, children 6 to 9 years: 1 suppository every 4 to 6 hours, up to a maximum of 4 doses in 24 hours
• 250mg strength, children 10 to 12 years: 1 to 2 suppositories every 4 to 6 hours, up to 4 to 8 in 24 hours
• 500mg strength, children 10 to 12 years weighing 30 to 40kg: 1 suppository every 4 to 6 hours, up to 4 in 24 hours
• 500mg strength, adults and children over 12 years: 1 to 2 suppositories every 4 to 6 hours, up to 8 in 24 hours

Leave at least 4 hours between doses and don’t use more suppositories than stated above. Always insert whole suppositories; don’t cut or divide them.

If you or your child take more than the recommended dose, contact a doctor straight away, even if you feel well. 

Side Effects of Paracetamol Suppositories

Like all medicines, Paracetamol Suppositories can cause side effects, though not everyone gets them.

Common Side Effects

• Redness, irritation or soreness in and around the back passage

Rare Side Effects

• Blood problems, which can cause easier bruising or bleeding, a higher risk of infection, a high temperature or ulcers in the mouth and throat
• Liver problems, which can show up as yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes

Very Rare Side Effects

• Serious skin reactions, including reddening, blistering or a rash

Frequency Not Known

• A serious condition that makes the blood more acidic, called metabolic acidosis, in people with a severe illness who are using paracetamol

Stop using Paracetamol Suppositories and seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as a rash, swelling of the lips, face, throat or tongue, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Using paracetamol every day for several months or more can lead to liver damage. This isn’t a risk when it’s used at the recommended dose for short periods, though it may affect the results of liver function tests.

If you notice any side effects not listed here, tell your doctor or pharmacist. You can also report side effects directly through the Yellow Card Scheme.

Paracetamol Suppositories Ingredients

Active ingredient: Paracetamol 250mg or 500mg, depending on strength

Other ingredients: Hydrogenated fat, soybean lecithin

Warnings and Precautions

• For rectal use only. Don’t take by mouth or swallow.
• Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
• Don’t use after the expiry date shown on the carton or blister strip.
• Don’t store above 30°C.
• Don’t use Paracetamol Suppositories at the same time as other medicines that contain paracetamol.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you’re taking medicines for nausea and vomiting such as metoclopramide or domperidone, colestyramine, anticoagulants like warfarin, anticonvulsants such as phenytoin or carbamazepine or the antibiotics rifampicin or flucloxacillin.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you or your child are taking, have recently taken or might take, especially those listed above.
• Tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is taking any other medicines.
• Taking flucloxacillin alongside paracetamol carries a rare risk of a serious blood and fluid problem called metabolic acidosis, particularly in people who are severely ill, malnourished or have a history of chronic alcoholism. Seek immediate medical advice if you notice symptoms like rapid breathing, drowsiness, nausea or vomiting.
• Don’t throw suppositories away via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer need.