Acetaminophen is the active ingredient in Tylenol, which is a commonly used pain reliever and fever reducer. Tylenol is often recommended for children as an alternative to aspirin. This is because aspirin can cause a dangerous condition known as Reye's syndrome. Acetaminophen has side effects and must be administered with care.
Significance
Although safe for children, acetaminophen should always be administered according to the instructions on the packaging.
Identification
When taken in high doses, acetaminophen can cause liver damage and liver failure. An acetaminophen overdose can occur in children if too much is administered, or if the medication is used for more than several days; one to three days is typical.
Formulations
Because infant Tylenol drops are concentrated as compared to Children's Tylenol drops, proper dosing is important. There are a number of medications aside from Tylenol that also contain acetaminophen, including Vicodin and Percocet.
Prevention/Solution
To prevent an acetaminophen overdose, one parent should be in charge of administering the medication. This will prevent a duplicate dose from being given. It is also important to carefully check dosing information to make sure the child is not receiving acetaminophen as part of other medications.
Alternatives
Ibuprofen can also be used as an alternative to Tylenol. It has no liver toxicity.
