Tylenol, also known generically as acetaminophen, is frequently used to treat fever and pain in children of all ages. Caution must be used when giving acetaminophen to children younger than 2, because it can have serious side effects, including death.
Significance
Parents and physicians have relied on acetaminophen for years to lower a child's fever and provide comfort. When given in appropriate doses, acetaminophen is considered a reasonably safe and effective medication. Unfortunately, too much acetaminophen can kill your child.
Types
An overdose can occur easily without any intent of harm, and if your baby is very young, it is always best to call your pediatrician. There are many ways acetaminophen is packaged and sold. When shopping for acetaminophen, you may find infant drops, children's liquid or children's children's chewable or meltaway tablets. It is important to read the label to see what the strength or dose is in each of these preparations. Tylenol says its infant drops are for children younger than 2, while its other children's products are for those older than 2. The BabyCenter.com medical advisory board says acetaminophen drops, liquid and children's meltaways can be given to children ages 1 to 2 and weighing 18 to 23 pounds in very specific doses.
Side effects
An overdose has serious side effects. Acetaminophen affects the liver. The liver's function is to metabolize, meaning to build up and break down substances, then remove them from the bloodstream. It generally takes four hours to complete the process. When too much acetaminophen is taken, it overloads the ability of the liver to metabolize all of the substance. This will cause damage to the liver.
Signs and Symptoms
Early signs and symptoms of an overdose are characterized by nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Other symptoms may include fatigue and sweating. The longer the overdose goes undetected, the more severe the damage to the liver. The child may start to experience right-upper quadrant pain, tenderness and jaundice 24 to 48 hours after the overdose. If medical treatment is not provided, death can occur in three to five days.
Prevention/Solution
There are steps that every parent can take to prevent acetaminophen overdose. Before giving your very young child the medication, double check the strength of the preparation. Verify the recommended dose for you child's age and weight. If there is another person available, have him double check labels and doses with you. Do not give any child younger than 4 a cough or cold medicine. Keep all medications out of reach of children and in child-proof bottles.
References
- "Pediatric Emergency Medicine"; Unsuspected Acetaminophen Toxicity in a 58-day-old Infant; Muniz, et al.; December 2004
- "Orthopedic Nursing"; Acetaminophen Old Friend - New Rules; Turkoski; Jan / Feb 2010
- Acetaminophen Dosage Chart
