Considering adding instructions for children younger than two years old
Article Source: msnbc.com
from:msnbc.comFDA may add new dosage on children's Tylenol
Seeded on Fri May 13, 2011 11:55 AM EDT (msnbc.com)
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I would rather have parents of younger kids asking pediatricians the correct dosage since it needs to be by weight and not age. Weights vary greatly among babies (and old kids too, really) and dosages should be by weight, not age. My twins were much smaller at each age than some babies I know of and they would have been overdosed. So why risk that with a medicine that has toxic effects at even a small overdosage?
Agreed parents should always consult the pediatrician first. Problem is that some don't and give the medication anyway, without any type of guidance. At least the new labeling requirement will help those parents who won't call their doctor in the first place. Also we do not know what that labeling ultimately will say, perhaps it will be weight-based for children 2 years and under. Have to wait and see what their advisory panel recommends.
I would prefer that parents ask pediatricians also, but I am more realistic. It is often given anyway. Better to have dosage guidelines, by weight, than have parents guess!
Yes, if they give directions by weight that would help.
Another issue is the over use of these meds. I am more concerned with the mind set of new parents that a kids cough or slight temp warrants such meds.
Medications are serious....they tax your liver and can do more harm than good. I've watched friend give tylenol or advil to their kids likes it's magic candy.
BEMUSED I concur with your opinion.As a grand father of 2 wonderful grand children and thank GOD I dont have to worry about the age factor but am still concerned that acetomenaphen is not safe nor are Nsaids such as advil and I never hear of researchers trying to find alternatives.
Tylenol and Advil are completely safe when taken exactly as directed. People have been using these medications for years with no side effects. It's when not-too-bright people begin to use it haphazardly that problems set in.
interesting to see that the government has finally stepped up to the plate after all these years ... the same week it is announced that Tylenol Infant Drops (and all generic equivalents) are being removed from the market.
I totaly agree the dosage charts need to be revised. Small children need to be given meds for things such as teething or a low grade fever ,not rushed to the dr for everything . There is not always a nurse available to answer questions about dosage of tylenol. The size of the dosage chart needs to be larger on the box or a leaflet inside the box , many grandparents raise their grandchildren and have to get a magnafing glass out to read the chart! These are little people that can't speak up for themselves lets get with the times of today! Protect the little ones !!!! mena; obwela; nana; grandmother;- ) of 11 raising 3 !
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is an incredibly dangerous drug if it is not taken properly. Hopefully new regulations will help curb accidental overdoses which can result in liver failure – - or even death. This is a great article that will help educate the public. Regards, TM