Acetaminophen is a common medication often used on children. When used properly, it can be a safe way to ease the symptoms of minor childhood injuries or illnesses. However, overdoses can be dangerous, so understanding the proper amount and length of time to give this medication to your child is essential. If you have any questions about the dose and duration of acetaminophen use for your child, you should talk to a doctor before administering this medicine.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever, and it is considered safe for use in children and infants when used in the proper amount. Acetaminophen is available over the counter in both children's and adult formulations. A concentrated infant formula is being phased out of production in 2011 to avoid confusion and dosing errors. After the phaseout is complete, parents should give a baby the same concentration as an older child in a dose appropriate to the baby's weight.
Use in Children
Common uses for acetaminophen in children include lowering a fever caused by common childhood infections and easing the pain of teething, earache, headache, sunburn and accidental injuries. The normal dose for a child is 7 mg of acetaminophen per pound of body weight every four hours, according to pediatrician Dr. William Sears. A child should not get more than five doses in one day and should not take acetaminophen for longer than directed by a pediatrician.
Dangers of Daily Use
In general, acetaminophen is safe for daily use when used in appropriate doses. However, one potential problem of daily acetaminophen use is that it can mask symptoms that should be evaluated by a doctor, such as a persistent fever or pain that does not subside after a few days. If your child needs acetaminophen for longer than a few days, you should bring him to a pediatrician to determine the underlying illness or injury.
Dangers of Overdosing
Giving too much acetaminophen to a child at one time is more dangerous than giving a small amount over a long period of time. High doses of acetaminophen can cause liver damage. The initial symptoms of acetaminophen-induced liver damage sometimes seem mild and mimic other problems. These include loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting. However, liver failure can occur rapidly in a child and can lead to death within a few days. According to the American Association of Poison Control Centers, there were about 7,500 instances of acetaminophen poisoning in children in 2010.
