The recommended dosages of over-the-counter acetaminophen*
(Tylenol) for infants are changing. Please review the safety tips below before
giving this medication to your children.
Manufacturers of the pain and fever reducing medication are
phasing out infant drops and replacing them with a lower concentration formula.
The new formula is 3 times less concentrated than the old formula, so dosing
directions are different.
While the older formula is being phased out, existing supplies
will still be sold in drugstores. As a result, both the old and new
concentrations of acetaminophen may be available for a period of time. Families
may also have the older product in their medicine cabinets and can continue to
use it. To avoid over- or under-dosing, it is extremely important to read
labels, know which concentration you are using, and make sure you give your
child the correct dosage.
Safety tips
- Know how much
your child weighs. The correct dose is based on your child's weight, not
age.
- Double check
which concentration of medication you have: the older infant drops (80
mg/0.8mL) or the new infant liquid formula (160 mg/5mL).
- The older infant
drops are still safe to use as long as you use the correct dose for your
child's weight.
- Use only the
measuring device (dropper, syringe, or cup) that came with the medication.
Do not use a kitchen spoon.
- Always measure
medication in a well lit area.
- Do not give your
child more than 5 doses in 24 hours.
Recommended dosages for infants' acetaminophen
Concentrated drops (old concentration)
weight (lbs)
|
age (months)
|
dose (mL)
|
6-11
|
0-3
|
0.4 mL
|
12-17
|
4-11
|
0.8 mL
|
18-23
|
12-23
|
1.2 mL
|
24-35
|
24-36
|
1.6 mL
|
Oral suspension (new concentration)
weight (lbs)
|
age (months)
|
dose (mL)
|
6-11
|
0-3
|
1.25 mL
|
12-17
|
4-11
|
2.5 mL
|
18-23
|
12-23
|
3.75 mL
|
24-35
|
24-36
|
5.0 mL
|
How to use an infant dropper
1. Open the
medication bottle and remove the enclosed infant dropper.
2. Squeeze
the bulb and place the infant dropper into the medication. Release the bulb,
drawing the medication into the dropper.
3. Remove
the dropper and check how much medication is in the dropper. Squeeze the bulb
to release any excess until the proper dosage is showing on the dropper.
4. Administer
the dose. Place the infant dropper into the inside of the baby's cheek and
squeeze the bulb slowly so the infant will swallow the medicine.
5. Rinse the
dropper under hot water, squeezing the bulb to bring water into and out of the
dropper to clean the inside.
6. Dry the
infant dropper before replacing into the bottle. This prevents the medication
from becoming diluted with water.
For more information
Learn more about giving medications to children. Visit Cold and
Flu Center at Kaiser Permanente, 2012. Read the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration's guidelines on safe use of acetaminophen in infants and
children.
*Acetaminophen is sold under several brand names including
Tylenol, Triaminic, Good Sense, Panadol, PediaCare, Little Remedies, and
Tempera.
