Hold That Dropper!

It is always important for parents to know the safe and proper dose of any medicine they are giving their children. In December, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) urged consumers to carefully read the labels of liquid acetaminophen (Tylenol) marketed for infants to avoid giving the wrong dose.

In an attempt to reduce the confusion over different strengths that have been blamed for past overdoses, some manufacturers are voluntarily offering only the less concentrated version for all children.

A less concentrated form of the popular medication is being sold in some stores. Giving the wrong dose of acetaminophen can cause the medication to be ineffective if too little is given or cause serious side effects if too much is given.

According to the FDA, until now liquid acetaminophen marketed for infants has only been available in a stronger concentration that doesn’t require giving the infants as much liquid with each dose.

Now, both concentrations of liquid acetaminophen are in circulation. The FDA is telling parents and caregivers to know whether they have the less concentrated or more concentrated medication before giving acetaminophen to a child.

The new type of liquid acetaminophen is a lower concentration but a higher volume. Even the dropper that comes with the medicine is different. You may feel like you are giving your child more medicine, but it is actually the same dose.

The FDA recommends that parents:

• Read the Drug Facts label on the package very carefully to identify the concentration of the liquid acetaminophen, the correct dosage, and the directions for use.
• Do not depend on a banner proclaiming that the product is “new.” Some medicines with the old concentration also have this headline on their packaging.
• Use only the dosing device provided with the purchased product in order to correctly measure the right amount of liquid acetaminophen.
• Consult your pediatrician before giving this medication, and make sure you’re both talking about the same concentration.

I was assured by a pediatrician that it is still safe to use what’s in the medicine cabinet, just be sure to read the label for accurate dosing.