March 2004

Children often the victim of 'Tylenol' overdose

Most people think that if a drug is sold over the counter without a prescription, it's safe. Yet, every year, the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) receives reports of infants and children receiving accidental overdoses of acetaminophen (Tylenol). 

In fact, an average of 27,000 accidental childhood acetaminophen overdoses have been reported annually over the last few years, the ISMP states. And, according to one report in the Journal of Pediatrics, at least 24 children in the United States had, up to that time, died and three required liver transplants after receiving accidental overdoses of acetaminophen, which is the most widely used medication for relief of pain and fever in children and infants.

Misuse of acetaminophen can lead to liver damage and death, yet parents, child care providers, and even some medical professionals may not always take into account the fact that there are different dosage strengths available on the market and check doses before administration, putting children at risk for serious errors. To make matters worse, infant acetaminophen drops are concentrated, about three times stronger than children's liquid acetaminophen, which may lead to confusion and mistakes.

The incidence of overdoses and harmful side effects in children increases during flu and cold season, even though aspirin is particularly risky for children who have fever, headaches, or other signs of a virus infection, especially the flu or chickenpox. Administering products that contain aspirin to children with viral infections can lead to Reye's syndrome.

SOURCES:  "Therapeutic misadventures with acetaminophen: hepatoxicity after multiple doses in children," Journal of Pediatrics, Jan 1998, 132(1): 22‑7.

"Infants and children receiving accidental overdoses of acetaminophen (Tylenol)", The Institute For Safe Medication Practices, Oct. 29, 2003

NOTE: This article appeared in the World Chiropractic Alliance Health Watch electronic newsletter. To receive this free newsletter each week, sign up at wcanews.com.