PARACETAMOL VS IBUPROFEN VS ASPIRIN Paracetamol Take for: Colds, flu, sore throats, headaches and toothache. Paracetamol is a common painkiller, usually in tablet or capsule form, that takes up to an hour to kick in. People tend to take one or two 500mg pills – this dose can be taken four times a day, leaving four to six hours between each dose. For young children, it’s often given in liquid form (Calpol) at a lower dosage – but it should never be given to babies younger than two months old, unless prescribed by a doctor. “Paracetamol is generally safe and very well tolerated, and is used for most types of pain, including colds and flu, sore throats, headaches and toothache,” says pharmacist Phil Day. It can also be used to reduce a high temperature – ideal for cold and flu season. One of the benefits of paracetamol, says Day, is that it’s gentle on the stomach and clashes with very few other medicines. However, it’s important not to exceed the recommend dosage or take multiple pa...