Why these two molecules dominate antipyretic demand
The three non-opioid analgesics named on the WHO Model List — paracetamol, ibuprofen and acetylsalicylic acid — in the full range of oral, rectal and injectable presentations, plus the wider NSAID family.
What the published guidance specifies
- The Model List specifies the exact presentations Section 2.1 of the 24th WHO Model List (2025) lists acetylsalicylic acid (suppository 50–150 mg; tablet 100–500 mg), ibuprofen (oral liquid 100 mg/5 mL; tablet 200, 400 and 600 mg) and paracetamol (oral liquid 120 mg/5 mL or 125 mg/5 mL and 250 mg/5 mL; suppository 100 and 250 mg; tablet 250, 325 and 500 mg; dispersible tablet 100 and 250 mg). WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 24th List (2025) — report of the 25th WHO Expert Committee (TRS 1064)
- A strength-confusion warning that matters commercially The Model List itself warns that the presence of both 120 mg/5 mL and 125 mg/5 mL paracetamol oral liquid strengths on the same market would cause confusion in prescribing and dispensing and should be avoided. Country programmes should therefore settle on one strength. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 24th List (2025) — report of the 25th WHO Expert Committee (TRS 1064)
- Paracetamol is an antipyretic and analgesic — not an anti-inflammatory The Model List carries a footnote stating paracetamol is not recommended for anti-inflammatory use due to lack of proven benefit to that effect. Marketing copy that positions paracetamol as an anti-inflammatory is inconsistent with the WHO listing. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 24th List (2025) — report of the 25th WHO Expert Committee (TRS 1064)
- Age limits worth building into your labelling Ibuprofen is not indicated in children less than three months of age according to the Model List. Paediatric paracetamol dosing should follow national formulary weight bands. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines, 24th List (2025) — report of the 25th WHO Expert Committee (TRS 1064)
API grades we supply
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen) API — DML Jin20160069 covers paracetamol API manufacture. Grades are released against the nominated pharmacopoeial monograph with assay, related substances and residual solvent data.
- Ibuprofen API — released against the nominated monograph, with particle size distribution stated where the customer compresses directly.
- Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) API — the third non-opioid analgesic named on the Model List.
Finished dosage forms in the same range
- Paracetamol — 500 mg tablets, effervescent tablets, oral suspension 160 mg/5 mL, oral solution, suppositories and 500 mg injection.
- Ibuprofen — tablets, oral suspension and paediatric presentations.
- Aspirin — 300 mg tablets and low-dose antiplatelet presentations.
- Diclofenac, piroxicam and lysine acetylsalicylate — injectable and solid forms for markets whose national lists include them.
Paracetamol 500 mg tablets · Paracetamol oral suspension · Aspirin 300 mg tablets · Analgesic & antipyretic range
How to specify an order
Give us the molecule, the salt or base form you register, the strength, the dosage form and the pack count. For API, add the monograph and any additional test your authority expects. For finished forms, tell us the destination market so the artwork, labelling language and measuring device are specified with the product rather than afterwards.
What to watch for
- Confirm which paracetamol oral-liquid strength your national formulary has adopted and specify a single strength on the purchase order.
- Avoid positioning paracetamol as an anti-inflammatory in promotional material.
- Diclofenac is not listed on the WHO Model List — stock it only where your national essential medicines list includes it.
- Aspirin in febrile children carries a Reye's syndrome risk in many national labels. Confirm the local prescribing information restricts paediatric use accordingly.
Questions buyers ask
Which strengths of paracetamol oral liquid should we order?
The WHO Model List notes that offering both 120 mg/5 mL and 125 mg/5 mL on one market causes prescribing and dispensing confusion. We recommend selecting one strength per market and will supply accordingly.
Do you supply paracetamol suppositories?
Yes — 150 mg and paediatric strengths. The Model List specifies suppository strengths of 100 mg and 250 mg, and national formularies frequently add intermediates.
Is diclofenac on the WHO Essential Medicines List?
No. The non-opioid analgesics named in section 2.1 are acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen and paracetamol. We supply diclofenac sodium in injectable and capsule form for markets whose national lists include it.
Can you supply sustained-release or combination analgesics?
Yes — including compound presentations and sustained-release forms. Confirm the specific combination against your national registration before ordering.
Do you supply both API and finished tablets?
Yes. Paracetamol API is manufactured under DML Jin20160069, and the corresponding finished tablets, suspensions, suppositories and injections are produced in finished-dosage workshops.
Reference information only. Published guidance is quoted for professional and regulatory-context purposes and is not medical advice or a prescribing recommendation.