Liquid Acetaminophen marketed for infants: Drug Safety Communication - Potential for Dosing Errors
Audience: Pediatrics, Consumers, Pharmacy
[Posted 12/22/2011]
ISSUE: The FDA is informing the public that an additional concentration of liquid acetaminophen marketed for “infants” (160 mg/5 mL) is now available. This change in the concentration will affect the amount of liquid given to an infant, and should be especially noted if someone is accustomed to using the 80 mg /0.8 mL or 80 mg/mL concentrations of liquid acetaminophen.
BACKGROUND: Over-the-Counter (OTC) Liquid acetaminophen is used to temporarily reduce fever and relieve minor aches and pains due to the common cold, flu, headache, minor sore throat, and toothache. Acetaminophen is marketed under brand names such as Tylenol, Little Fevers, Triaminic, Infant/Pain Reliever, Pedia Care, Triaminic Infants’ Syrup Fever Reducer Pain Reliever and other store brands (e.g., Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens brand, etc.).
This change in the concentration will affect the amount of liquid given to an infant, and should be especially noted if someone is accustomed to using the 80 mg /0.8 mL or 80 mg/mL concentrations of liquid acetaminophen. In addition to this change in concentration, this product may also be packaged with an oral syringe instead of a dropper.
RECOMMENDATION: Read the Drug Facts label on the package to identify the concentration of the liquid acetaminophen (in mg/mL), dosage, and directions for use.
Use the dosing device provided with the product in order to correctly measure the amount of liquid acetaminophen to be given. Healthcare professionals should provide directions to patients that specify the concentration and dose of liquid acetaminophen that should be given to a child.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA's MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:
- Complete and submit the report Online: www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/medwatch/index.cfm
- Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
[12/22/2011 - Drug Safety Communication - FDA]
[12/22/2011 - Consumer Update - FDA]
[12/22/2011 - Podcast - FDA]
[12/22/2011 - Questions and Answers - FDA]
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