Acetaminophen and Your Child

What is acetaminophen [uh-see-tuh-min-uh-fuhn]?
Acetaminophen is a common drug that is found in many over-the-counter (OTC) fever reducers, pain relievers, and cold remedies. Acetaminophen is sold under brand names such as Tylenol^®, Datril^®, Panadol^®, Phenaphen, Tempra, and Anacin^® Aspirin Free. It can also be included as an ingredient in prescription medicines.

How do I know which acetaminophen product to choose for my child when he or she is sick?
To take the guesswork out of what product to choose and how to give it to your child, the Carolinas Poison Center has developed several education items that can be downloaded from the website or purchased by calling our education line.

Video: How to Give Acetaminophen to Your Child
The Carolinas Poison Center has created "How to Give Acetaminophen to Your Chid," a video demonstrating the proper selection and administration of acetaminophen for children. The presentation can be played once or in a continuous loop. You can view the acetaminophen video by clicking on the video link, or you may visit our online store to order copies for group presentations, to give as gifts, or to view at home.  You can also watch the video in Spanish.

You will need Windows Media Player to view the video.  Click icon to download Windows Media Player.

Other Tools for Parents

• Acetaminophen Dosing Guide
  To determine the correct amount and type of acetaminophen to give to your child, follow the printable dosing chart below or request a copy of Proper Dosing of Acetaminophen for Children: A Guide for Parents (Dosis Apropiadas de Acetaminofén Para Niños: Guía para padres de familia) in English or in Spanish. You can view it in our online store then call the education line to request a copy.
• Dosing Spoon
  The Carolinas Poison Center always recommends that parents and other caregivers use the dosing cup or dropper that came with the product. However, if the product doesn't contain a measuring device or if the dosing cup or dropper are misplaced, you can use the dosing spoon developed by the Carolinas Poison Center (see our online store). Please measure only the amount recommended on the product, and double-check the amount measured before giving the medicine to your child.
• Acetaminophen Tip Sheet
  Download a free acetaminophen tip sheet here.

(Top of Page)

Acetaminophen Guidelines

• If possible, use the child's weight to determine the correct dose; otherwise, use their age.
• Acetaminophen products have been developed for every age. Make sure to read the label to see what "stage" is right for your child.

Stage 1: Infants' Drops This is a concentrated form of acetaminophen which means there is less liquid for your infant to swallow. Each drop contains more acetaminophen than Children's Liquid Acetaminophen so ONLY use the enclosed dropper. NEVER use other cups or spoons.

Stage 2: Children's Liquids This form of acetaminophen should be used for children ages 2 to 11. Enclosed with the medicine is a measuring cup that should only be used with the Children's Liquids. Do not use a dropper or any other type of spoon.

Stage 3: Children's Soft Chews This form of acetaminophen should be used for children ages 2 and up.

Stage 4: Junior Strength* This contains more acetaminophen for your growing child and should only be used for children ages 6 and up. *There are products that dissolve in the mouth quickly. They are the same strength as tablets that can be chewed or swallowed and are given in the same doses.

• Giving a child more medicine than the recommended dose will not speed up the healing process and could lead to worse illness or death.
• Giving the child a stronger form of acetaminophen than is suitable for their age or weight can cause severe illness and could also result in death.
• ALWAYS read the label to ensure you are giving your child the medicine he or she needs. NEVER give adult strength acetaminophen to a child under the age of 12. This can cause an overdose.
• After administering the medicine, always write down the time and amount given to avoid an accidental overdose. Share this information with anyone else caring for the child to prevent giving another dose at the wrong time.
• Many of these products come in flavors that are appealing to children. It is important for the caregiver not to refer to the medicine as "candy". Medicine is not candy!
• ALWAYS KEEP MEDICINES LOCKED UP AFTER USING THEM!

Acetaminophen Dosing Chart
(To download or print the dosing chart, click here.)    

*There are products that dissolve in the mouth quickly.  They are the same strength as tablets that can be chewed or swallowed and are given in the same doses.

(Top of Page)