Changes to Acetaminophen (fever reducing medication)

CBS Early show came to my office to discuss the new FDA advisory panel recommendation on acetaminophen.  This is good news for parents who are often confused about dosing acetaminophen for fever and pain relief in young children.

Dosing instructions for children 6 months to 2 years of age will be added to the package label.  As a pediatrician and parent of two young boys, I feel that this decision will help parents make appropriate and accurate decisions when giving their child medication. In addition, manufacturers will do away with the infant concentration so there will soon be only one uniform concentration across the board for all ages.  Weight based dosing will also be included.

Pediatricians have always dosed medication by weight since not all children of the same age are the same size.   One final change is that acetaminophen will be measured in milliliters instead of teaspoons.   All of these changes will hopefully aid parents and help avoid accidental overdose.  As always, call your own pediatrician if you have any questions and always store medication out of your child’s reach.

Watch the CBS Early Show segment that features Dr. Tanya discussing the recent changes to acetaminophen