Bec- I worked as Registered Nurse in children's ward for over 12yrs and panadol does not sedate a child at all - it is probably giving her pain relief as it is meant to do. Check with pharmacist or DR or MHCN to be sure.

Often we gave children/babies panadol every 4 -6 hrs ( only 4 doses a day) for a few days consecutively - so a small dose once a day for a few days would be fine.

A low dose doesn't built it in a healthy liver and is metabolised by the liver in few hours. That's why you can give it 4 -6 hrly ( but only 4 does in 24hrs). One website I saw said

Because of their effectiveness and lack of side-effects paracetamol products are frequently prescribed in hospitals and are the treatment of choice for relieving mild to moderate pain in specialist liver units.
If your child had a liver problem it is a different story. It has been used for a long time and there are so many studies on it. It is safe in pregnancy too at recommended doses and doesn't affect babies in womb.

Phenergan does sedate and I wouldn't recommend it.

From Aust Gov Health website

1. Paracetamol has been used in Australia for the relief of pain and fever since the 1950s. It is available in many different forms for adults and children. Common brand names include Panadol, Herron Paracetamol, Panamax, Chemists' Own and Dymadon. Most pharmacy chains and supermarkets also have their own 'house brands'.

2. Paracetamol is safe and effective when taken as directed on the label. However, if taken either in overdose or in amounts that exceed the recommended dose for more than a few days, the unwanted effects can be severe.

3. Paracetamol is generally the medicine of choice for people with chronic pain such as painful osteoarthritis. However, paracetamol should only be used for a long period of time under a doctor's supervision.

4. Many other medicines also contain paracetamol including medicines for coughs and colds, sinus congestion and period pain. The presence of paracetamol is always declared on the label. Be careful not to take more than one medicine containing paracetamol.

5. Liquid paracetamol products for children come in different strengths and product forms such as baby drops and suspensions that are intended for infants and children of different ages and weights. Always read the label before measuring the dose. Be careful not to mix up the strengths as these are only suitable for certain age groups. Always use a metric medicine measure - don't guess the dose.

6. Don't give paracetamol to infants, children or adolescents for more than 48 hours unless advised by a doctor. [see below why ]

7. If an overdose or paracetamol is taken, people should contact the Poisons Information Centre (Phone 131 126) or go to a hospital accident and emergency centre as soon as possible, even if the person who has taken the overdose does not feel ill. The harmful effects of large amounts of paracetamol on the liver are usually delayed so people may feel well for the first day after a paracetamol overdose but can become very sick after that. If treatment is given early enough, there are usually no permanent ill-effects.

8. Tips for safe use of paracetamol for all ages:

Always follow the directions on the label;
Take the recommended dose;
Don't take paracetamol for more than a few days at a time unless specifically advised to by a doctor or pharmacist;
Don't take more than one medicine containing paracetamol - some cough / cold, sinus and period pain medicines also contain paracetamol - check the label or ask your pharmacist;
Always store the medicine in a safe place, out of the reach of children;
If an overdose is taken, ring the Poisons Information Centre (131 126) or go to a hospital straight away;
If pain persists, see your doctor.

9. Tips for safe use of paracetamol in infants and children
Make sure you use the right product and strength for the child's age and weight;
Make sure you use the right dose for the child's age and weight;
Check the dose on the label every time you use the medicine;
Don't keep giving paracetamol for more than 48 hours unless specifically advised to by a doctor;
Always use a metric medicine measure to measure the dose;
Always make sure the bottle cap is secured after use.

10. For more information ask your pharmacist or doctor.
The TGA has published a comprehensive report - Review of Non-prescription Analgesics, which includes paracetamol. This report is available on the TGA's (therapuetic goods administration website at the w's health.gov.au
Mostly, the 48hrs guideline that states you need Dr's advice to continue is related to this ....

Children and adolescents with fever or who are dehydrated or fasting may be at risk of paracetamol toxicity in doses close to the therapeutic dose, particularly where paracetamol is given for more than 48 hours
from TGA Dr's fact sheet.

and also the fact that 'pain' that continues chould be assessed - but teething pain is quite a different thing altogether.