How Often Can You Give Your Baby Tylenol?

Tylenol is a brand name of the medication acetaminophen and is commonly prescribed as a fever reducer and pain reliever. In addition to adult products, the makers of Tylenol create products designed to treat children. In 2008 and 2009, regulatory and labeling officials issued new guidelines for acetaminophen use. Parents should follow these guidelines and consult their doctors to learn how often to give Tylenol to a baby or young child.

Understanding Tylenol Use

• According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), acetaminophen products such as Tylenol are safe if used according to instructions. However, even minor misuse carries considerable risk of liver damage, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite that can be mistaken for signs of the flu. If left untreated for as little as several days, liver damage may develop into fatal liver failure. To emphasize the potential risk, in 2008 the nonprofit Consumer Healthcare Products Association--which labels over-the-counter-medications--began modifying acetaminophen labeling to restrict its use in children under 4. Before giving a Tylenol product to your young child, familiarize yourself with this new labeling and consult your child's doctor for specific treatment instructions.

General Treatment Guidelines

• If your doctor determines that Tylenol is appropriate for your infant or young child, he will provide specific instructions on how often it should be given. He may also recommend certain products designed for children in a given age or weight category. All over-the-counter forms of Tylenol carry labeling that clearly explains appropriate use, with topics including proper dosage, frequency of treatment and the maximum amount of time you may safely give the medication. If you cannot find a particular product that suits your child's age or weight, ask your child's doctor for additional help before proceeding. Do not attempt to substitute your own judgment for a doctor's advice.

  Be aware that additional medications used to treat your child may also contain some amount of acetaminophen. Even small amounts of excess acetaminophen can trigger symptoms of overdose, and you should never use more than one acetaminophen product at one time.

  To safeguard your child, read all medication labels thoroughly and discontinue the use of any other product that contains acetaminophen. When you give a dose of liquid Tylenol, make sure to use the measuring device that comes with the product. If your product comes without a device, ask your pharmacist or doctor to supply one. Spoons do not reliably provide proper amounts of medication, and should not be used. Confirm the amount of Tylenol you give your baby by keeping a written record of all treatment times and dosages.

  Be aware that if you are nursing and using Tylenol or another acetaminophen product, the drug may be passed to your baby through your breast milk. To diminish this possibility, tell your doctor before you begin taking medication.