The most recent figures from the American Association of Poison Control Centers show 71 serious acetaminophen poisoning incidents among children in 1994, with serious long term or life-threatening results in 10 of them. The Food and Drug Administration reports 13 deaths of children under 13 from acetaminophen poisoning between 1970 and 1991. When taken as directed, acetaminophen is a safe drug, says Rose Ann Soloway of the Poison Control Centers. However, medications must be given in the exact doses stated, and confusion commonly occurs when people don't realize that the Infant Tylenol, a concentrated liquid, is 3 times stronger than the children's strength, and that one should never be substituted for the other. It is critically important when using products containing acetaminophen to follow directions carefully.
Children are more vulnerable to the serious effects of medications.
Never double the dose. Check the strength to see if you are using a concentrated version. Check with other caretakers to be sure the medicine wasn't already given. Give medication at times prescribed. If you miss a dose, do not double the next dose.