how old do you have to be to buy paracetamol

In the UK, there is no legal age restriction requiring a minimum age to buy paracetamol; however, most stores voluntarily enforce a policy to sell paracetamol only to customers aged 16 and over. This policy is in place mainly to prevent misuse and ensure responsible handling of the medication. Therefore, while it’s not legally mandated, you generally need to be at least 16 years old to purchase paracetamol independently at most pharmacies or supermarkets, and you may be asked for ID to verify your age. For children under 16, paracetamol can be given under adult supervision, and products are available in adjusted doses for younger age groups. Online pharmacies often require customers to be 18 or older to buy such medications. This combination of voluntary retail policy and age-appropriate dosing guidelines aims to balance access with safety.