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FDA Provides Updated Information for Safe Administration of Acetaminophen to Children
To help prevent acetaminophen overdose in children, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has provided consumers with updated information on the safe use of the drug for treating pain and fever in infants and children. FDA stresses to consumers that “improper dosing is one of the biggest problems in giving acetaminophen to children.” FDA provides consumers with several tips including the following:
- Never give your child more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at a time.
- Choose the right over-the-counter medication based on your child’s weight and age, and use the “Directions” section of the Drug Facts label to determine if the medicine is right for your child and how much to give.
- Never give more of an acetaminophen-containing medicine than directed.
- If the medicine is a liquid, use the measuring tool that comes with the medicine, not a kitchen spoon.
- Keep a daily record of the medicines you give to your child.
FDA encourages parents and childcare givers to consult with their child’s health care provider and with their pharmacist if they have any questions regarding administering acetaminophen to their children. The FDA Web page “Reducing Fever in Children: Safe Use of Acetaminophen” provides additional details for consumers.
