All acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) will soon be made at the same concentration, the Consumer Healthcare Products Association announced recently. In the past, manufacturers made most infant formulations more concentrated (thicker) than children’s formulations so parents would not need to give as much liquid to babies. However, this difference in concentration was the source of much confusion and accidental overdoses. Now all acetaminophen will be made the same concentration (160mg per 5ml ). Watch for these changes to hit the shelves as early as this summer.
You may also see other changes if the Federal Drug Administration implements the advice received from an advisory panel earlier in the week. Recommendations include adding weight based dosing guidelines for infants six months to two years of age and for medicine to come with measuring devices clearly marked in milliliters in order to ensure more accurate dosing.
Stay tuned.
Naline Lai, MD and Julie Kardos, MD
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