
Calpol is a medication that has been widely used to treat children's minor ailments and reduce pain and fever. However, it has come under scrutiny due to its potentially harmful ingredients. Calpol contains substances that are banned in several countries, including Austria, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the US, France, and Australia. The presence of parabens, such as ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214) and methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218), as well as the suspected carcinogen carmoisine (E122), has raised concerns among parents and health professionals. These ingredients have been linked to adverse effects, including eczema, ADHD-like hyperactivity, and potential liver damage with prolonged use. As a result, there is a growing debate about the safety of Calpol and the need for alternative treatments for children's health issues.
Explore related products
$7.27 $9.88
What You'll Learn
- Calpol contains paracetamol, which is available in Australia under different brand names
- Calpol's paraben preservatives are banned in Australia
- Calpol's strawberry 'flavouring' and carmoisine colouring are banned in Australia
- Calpol is not permitted for use in Australia
- Import restrictions on pharmaceuticals in Australia are very tight

Calpol contains paracetamol, which is available in Australia under different brand names
Calpol is a medication for children that contains paracetamol as its active ingredient. It is a popular medication in the UK, where it is the number one selling children's medicine. However, it is not available in Australia under the brand name Calpol. This is because Calpol contains substances that are banned in Australia, such as parabens and certain colour additives.
Paracetamol, the active ingredient in Calpol, is widely available in Australia under different brand names, such as Panadol and Tylenol. These alternative brands are equivalent to Calpol in terms of their active ingredient and effectiveness. However, some people have noted that the taste of these alternatives may not be as appealing to children as the strawberry-flavoured Calpol.
The unavailability of Calpol in Australia is due to import restrictions on pharmaceuticals. It is not permitted to send pharmaceutical products to Australia, and any attempts to do so may result in parcels being confiscated by customs. These strict import restrictions are in place to protect the health and safety of Australians by ensuring that all medications entering the country comply with local regulations and standards.
While Calpol is not available in Australia, parents can rest assured that equivalent medications containing paracetamol are readily available. These alternative brands provide the same active ingredient and therapeutic effects as Calpol, ensuring that children in Australia have access to safe and effective treatments for pain and fever.
It is important for parents to be aware of the ingredients and potential side effects of any medication they give to their children. While Calpol has faced scrutiny for its additives, it is essential to consult trusted sources and healthcare professionals for accurate and up-to-date information.
Lufthansa's Australian Routes: Where and How Far?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.98 $15.27

Calpol's paraben preservatives are banned in Australia
Calpol is a medication that is widely used in the UK to treat pain and fever in children. It is available in various forms, including suspensions, sachets, melt-in-the-mouth tablets, and cough syrups. While it is commonly used and trusted by many parents and doctors in the UK, Calpol has come under scrutiny for its ingredients.
One of the main concerns regarding Calpol's ingredients is the presence of paraben preservatives. Parabens are a type of preservative commonly used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. However, there have been concerns about their potential health effects, including their impact on hormone regulation and allergic reactions.
In Australia, certain types of parabens have been banned from use in products due to suspected health risks. Specifically, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214) and methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) are suspected hormone disruptors and are not recommended for consumption by children. These specific types of parabens are banned in Australia and are not permitted for use in products.
As a result, Calpol, which contains these paraben preservatives, is not available in Australia. While Calpol is a well-known and trusted brand in the UK, it is not sold in Australia due to the country's restrictions on the use of these specific parabens. Parents in Australia have access to alternative children's pain relief medications, such as Panadol and Nurofen, which do not contain the banned parabens.
It is important to note that the regulation of pharmaceuticals and the approval of ingredients can vary between countries. While Calpol's paraben preservatives are banned in Australia, they may be permitted in other countries with different regulatory frameworks. It is always essential to follow the recommendations and guidelines of healthcare professionals and regulatory authorities in your country when it comes to medication and ingredient safety.
Salt Water Pools: Australia's Ban Explained
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Calpol's strawberry 'flavouring' and carmoisine colouring are banned in Australia
Calpol is a popular medicine for children in the UK. It is a brand name for paracetamol, which is available in liquid form and has a strawberry flavour. However, Calpol cannot be purchased in Australia, and there are import restrictions on sending medications abroad.
Calpol's strawberry flavouring and carmoisine colouring are banned in Australia. Carmoisine, a chemical compound (E122), is a suspected carcinogen and is banned in several other countries, including Austria, Japan, Norway, Sweden, and the US. It is not recommended for consumption by children.
In addition to carmoisine, Calpol also contains parabens, specifically methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214). Parabens are suspected hormone disruptors and allergens. E218 is banned in France and Australia, while E214 is banned in France. Both substances have been linked to hyperactivity and are identified by the Hyperactive Children's Support Group as likely causes of ADHD-like symptoms.
Due to the presence of these banned substances, parents in the UK have expressed concerns about using Calpol and have sought alternative medications without additives. However, finding alternatives can be challenging, and some parents have resorted to giving their children paracetamol with jam for flavouring.
Lithium Deposits in Australia: A Natural Resource Treasure
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Calpol is not permitted for use in Australia
Calpol is a medication that is widely used in the UK to treat pain and fever in children. It is available in various forms, including suspensions, sachets, melt-in-the-mouth tablets, and cough syrups. While it is popular among parents and doctors in the UK, Calpol is not permitted for use in Australia.
The reason for this restriction lies in the ingredients used in Calpol. Calpol contains substances that are banned or restricted in several countries, including Australia. One of the main concerns is the presence of parabens, specifically methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214). These substances are suspected hormone disruptors and allergens, and they are banned in Australia. They have also been linked to potential adverse effects on children's health, including hyperactivity, eczema, and possibly ADHD.
Additionally, Calpol contains the colouring agent carmoisine (E122), which is a suspected carcinogen. This ingredient is banned in several countries, including Australia. The combination of these ingredients has raised concerns among health-conscious parents and medical professionals, leading to a preference for alternative treatments.
As a result, parents in Australia are advised to use alternative medications for their children. While Calpol is not available, there are equivalent treatments available, such as Panadol and Nurofen for children. These medications can be purchased separately or used together, depending on the advice of healthcare professionals. It is important for parents to consult with local pharmacists or healthcare providers to find suitable alternatives that are both safe and effective for their children's health needs.
In summary, Calpol is not permitted for use in Australia due to the presence of specific ingredients that are banned or restricted in the country. Parents in Australia have alternative treatment options available to effectively manage their children's health concerns.
Crocodile Habitat: Mapping Australia's Crocodile Hotspots
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$15.61 $27.99

Import restrictions on pharmaceuticals in Australia are very tight
Calpol is a medication that is widely used in the UK to treat pain and fever in children. It contains paracetamol as its active ingredient and is available in a liquid suspension or sachet form. While Calpol is commonly used in the UK, it is important to note that it cannot be sent to Australia due to strict import restrictions on pharmaceuticals.
Australia has tight regulations regarding the importation of medications, and sending pharmaceutical products to the country is prohibited. These restrictions are in place to protect public health and safety and ensure that only safe and approved medications are available in the Australian market. Any parcels containing medications sent to Australia will likely be confiscated by customs authorities upon entry.
The active ingredient in Calpol, paracetamol, is available in Australia under different brand names, such as Panadol and Tylenol. These alternative brands serve the same purpose as Calpol and can be purchased locally. It is important to note that attempting to send Calpol to Australia could result in legal issues with customs and excise.
The strict import restrictions on pharmaceuticals in Australia are designed to maintain control over the medications available in the country. These regulations help ensure that all medications undergo proper evaluation and approval by the relevant authorities before they can be distributed to the public. This process helps protect the health and safety of Australian citizens by minimising the risk of unauthorized or unsafe medications entering the market.
In summary, while Calpol is a popular medication in the UK, it is not available in Australia due to the country's tight import restrictions on pharmaceuticals. Alternative brands of paracetamol, such as Panadol and Tylenol, can be purchased locally in Australia to serve the same purpose as Calpol. It is important to respect and abide by Australia's import restrictions to avoid any legal issues and ensure the safety of individuals seeking medical treatment.
Exploring Darwin, Australia: Flight Costs and More
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Calpol contains parabens, including methyl parahydroxybenzoate (E218) and ethyl parahydroxybenzoate (E214), which are suspected hormone disruptors and allergens. These substances have been linked to hyperactivity and are banned in Australia.
Side effects of Calpol may include hives, rash, shortness of breath, and prolonged or habitual use may lead to liver damage or failure. There have also been suggestions of a link between Calpol and asthma, hay fever, and eczema.
No, it is not advisable to send Calpol or any other medication to Australia through the post due to strict import restrictions on pharmaceuticals. Any parcels containing medication will likely be confiscated by customs.
Yes, there are equivalent alternatives to Calpol available in Australia, such as Panadol and Nurofen for children. However, some parents have reported that these alternatives are not as effective as Calpol.











































