FDA CONSUMER HEALTH INFORMATION - Reducing Fever in Children: Safe Use of Acetaminophen

SILVER SPRING, Md., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Sold under brand names such as Tylenol, acetaminophen can be found in more than 600 over-the-counter and prescription medicines.

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Acetaminophen is generally safe and effective if you follow the directions on the package, but if you give a child even a little more than directed or give more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen, it can cause nausea, vomiting, liver damage, or worse.

The availability of different formulas, strengths, and dosage instructions for different ages of children may cause confusion and lead to acetaminophen overdosing.

See six tips for giving acetaminophen to children. Also learn how FDA is working to minimize medication errors and make children's medicines that contain acetaminophen safer to use.

http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm263989.htm

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SOURCE U.S. Food and Drug Administration