I know from experience that there are loads of "nasties" in this type of medicine. My middle child is allergic to sweeteners, and we had similar problems the first time she got Calpol - and my youngest is allergic to sweeteners AND to orange ... orange is a very popular choice of flavouring for children's medicine ..... I'm impressed with the child's parents, as the first allergic reaction is not funny to watch, and can cause much more distress (and panic!) to us parents than to the child concerned. Tom's presence would have been very reassuring, as at least the right medicines were on hand if they had been needed.