Every parent has experienced a time when a baby is not feeling well or is in pain. Infant Tylenol is prepared as a method that is safe and easy to use for babies. It is given as needed for control of symptoms rather than as a regularly scheduled dose. Using Tylenol for infants helps parents provide comfort for their babies during times of illness.
Identification
The medication in Tylenol is acetaminophen, a pain reliever that does not need a prescription and can be purchased over the counter. Side effects of Tylenol include nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine and stools that have the appearance of clay. Call your doctor if your baby exhibits signs of an allergic reaction to Tylenol, such as wheezing, facial swelling or hives.
Significance
Tylenol is often given to babies who have pain or fever. Many parents give Tylenol for teething pain, earaches and minor injuries. While Tylenol is effective in pain relief and reducing fever, it is intended for comfort and not as a cure. Notify your physician if your baby does not get relief from Tylenol.
Dosage
Tylenol is safe to use for an infant every 4 to 6 hours. The dose amount is in relation to a baby's weight. According to the Ask Dr. Sears website, infants who weigh between 5 and 8 lbs. should take 40 mg of Tylenol; babies 9 to 10 lbs. should take 60 mg; babies between 11 and 16 lbs. should take 80 mg and babies between 17 and 21 lbs. should take 120 mg. Read labels carefully before giving your baby Tylenol and call your doctor if you are still unsure about the proper dose.
Methods
Tylenol may be given either through infant pre-prepared drops or as a children's liquid. When giving an infant children's Tylenol, remember to use the appropriate dose for your baby's weight, as the children's liquid is a different concentration than the infant drops. An infant may also take Tylenol by rectal suppository if he does not tolerate the drops.
Warnings
Tylenol lists several warnings for parents to consider when giving acetaminophen to babies. If your child has a history of liver disease, consult your doctor before giving her Tylenol. You should not give your baby Tylenol if she is taking other medications that also contain acetaminophen, as this may cause toxicity; and do not give more than five doses within a 24-hour period. Do not exceed the recommended dose and call your doctor if her pain or fever worsens.
