Acetaminophen For Children
What is Acetaminophen Abuse?
Use of Acetaminophen in Children
Your child may often suffer from fever or pain or common maladies like cold or teething, immunizations and tonsil infection. In many of the cases, you do not need to go to a doctor. Instead, you can give medicines like Acetaminophen which provide instant relief and lessen the pain.
For temporary relief of pain and fever in children, Acetaminophen is the best medicine. Acetaminophen formulas are specially designed for infants and children for short-term relief of fever and discomfort due to colds and flu and discomfort due to teething, immunizations and tonsil infection.
In children Acetaminophen is given to lower fever up till 102 °F (38.9 °C) or higher. However, it is better that you consult your doctor before giving Acetaminophen to a baby 3 months old or younger so as to avoid drug abuse. It advised to ensure that the fever is not a sign of a serious illness before giving Acetaminophen.
Some Precautions to be Followed When Giving Acetaminophen to Children
Do not buy Acetaminophen before checking if it is the recommended drug for children
Call your doctor if you are unsure about the right amount of Acetaminophen to be given to your child
Discontinue the use Acetaminophen if your child shows any signs of allergy to it
Read and follow all instructions on the medication bottle and box carefully. The correct dose and timing of the dose are important for the medication to work well
Specific Amount of Dosage for Your Child
Acetaminophen should be given after every 4 hours as prescribed by your GP. Do not give more than five doses within 24 hours. Doses are based on a child's weight regardless whether an oral dosage is given or a suppository is inserted.
Give your child the right amount of Acetaminophen according to the dosage table as mentioned below:
Infants up to 3 months of age: 40 mg every four hours |
Infants 4 to 12 months of age: 80 mg every four hours |
Children 1 to 2 years of age: 120 mg every four hours |
Children 2 to 4 years of age: 160 mg every four hours |
Children 4 to 6 years of age: 240 mg every four hours |
Children 6 to 9 years of age: 320 mg every four hours |
Children 9 to 11 years of age: 320 to 400 mg every four hours |
Children 11 to 12 years of age: 320 to 480 mg every four hours |
Various Acetaminophen Products for Children
Acetaminophen products for children include drops, syrup, chewable tablets and rectal suppositories. These products come in standard concentrations for children to be administered according to the age and weight of a child. The instructions should be thoroughly read before purchasing this medicine.
To make its consumption easier for children, it is available in the form of elixir, drops and suspension liquid.
Harmful Effects of Acetaminophen on Children
Due to its easy availability and method of intake, Acetaminophen causes increased over dosage and side effects than other drugs. People give this medicine to children in large quantities to relieve fever and pain which can result in complications. There have been reports of liver damage and hallucinations in children who either took large amounts of Acetaminophen or used it for a long time.
Acetaminophen can cause liver damage in children. Liver is a vital organ of the body and it produces bile that helps in digestion of food. It stores energy and iron reserves. Therefore, too much Acetaminophen overloads the liver's ability to process the drug safely. Its toxic byproducts injure the liver leading to liver damage. In the same way, kidney failure also can occur. A severe Acetaminophen overdose can be fatal.
How to Avoid Harmful Effects of Acetaminophen?
Acetaminophen is a safe and effective drug if taken carefully. Label should be read carefully and the medicine should not be given more than what is required. Easy accessibility of the drug does not guarantee safe results.
There is also an antidote for over dosage of Acetaminophen. Known as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) it must be administered within 8 to 10 hours after an overdose has been ingested. |
