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Posted: 24 October 2005 at 10:44pm | IP Logged

was wondering the same p.

there's lots of medicians (sp) that are clear in colour.

i didnt even know that it had e numbers in it

Posted: 25 October 2005 at 2:32pm | IP Logged

I don't think its a case of good or bad e numbers, more that if you want something to lower a temperature, you need a paracetamol suspension, of which calpol is one where as nurofen isn't.

Nurofen is an anti-inflamatory whereas paracetamol is an analgesic. THere are other paracetamol suspensions on the market for babies, such as Disprol and Medised.

I'm actually alergic to E122 and other colourants in that range. The reaction it causes is a lumpy rash that is very itchy. Its very fast spreading. So if a child was to react to this colourant, its likely to be a rash rather than a hyper- reaction. Ella has had a blood test at birth and she isn't - fortunately!

My friend took her son to the docs cos she was concerned that he seemed to go a bit mad after she'd given him calpol, and the doc told her that it was more a reaction to the pain going away, and them feeling normal again. Which is why when he is teething, she doesn't give it him at night, cos he feels better and won't go to sleep!!! She give Medised instead, which kills the pain but also helps sleep.

If you're concerned about the additives it contains, it might be worth talking to your pharmacist and see what other suspensions they sell.

Hope this helps.

Posted: 25 October 2005 at 3:27pm | IP Logged

Harrison can only have calpol, hes not allowed nurofen it has something to do with his wheezy chest - he's what the Dr's call a happy wheezer!!

Calpol is my saviour perfect for grumpy babies!!

Posted: 25 October 2005 at 4:33pm | IP Logged

me and dh both love calpol too lol.  Ellen seems to like it too and it helped big time with her teeth x

Thanx for the info girlies

Posted: 25 October 2005 at 5:42pm | IP Logged

It's not a good e-number.  E122 can make some children hyperactive and shouldn't be used if you are sensitive to asprin. 

A synthetic red azo dye used in foods which must be heat treated after fermentation. Also found in blancmange, marzipan, Swiss roll, jams and preserves, sweets, brown sauce, flavoured yogurts, packet soups, jellies, breadcrumbs and cheesecake mixes.

It appears to cause allergic and/or intolerance reactions, particularly amongst those with an aspirin intolerance. Other reactions can include a rash similar to nettle rash and water retention.

Not recommended for consumption by children.

The Hyperactive Childrens Support Group belive that a link exists between this additive and hyperactive behavioural disorders in children.

Whilst being a commonly used colour in the UK, its use is banned in Japan, Norway, Sweden and the United States.

Why is it in Calpol I have no idea other than the manufacturers probably think it sells better being pink.  Write to them and ask them why they feel the need to put a colouring in a childrens suspension....

Having said that like I said before and like Wizie said paracetamol lowers a temperature nurofen doesn't.  Anyone with asthma or other breathing difficulties shouldn't take nurofen either.