Reminder to Parents: Incorrect Dosage of Acetaminophen Can be Lethal to Children

      Acetaminophen, a single active ingredient sold under such brand names as Tylenol, can cause a fatal overdose in children if not administered correctly. The medicine, commonly used for fever-reduction in children, is something most parents are very familiar with. However, parents may be under the common misconception that they can purchase one product for all of their children and simply change the dosage amount depending on the child’s age. Unfortunately, this could be a dangerous mistake.
The use of concentrated drops in large amounts can cause a fatal overdose. Health & Safety Watch wants to remind parents that you can’t simply give an older child more of an infant’s medicine.


Acetaminophen is generally safe and effective if you follow the directions on the package, but if you give a child even a little more than directed or give more than one medicine that contains acetaminophen, it can cause nausea and vomiting. In some cases - in both adults and children - it can cause liver failure and death.

HSW is providing parents the following tips:

•Never give your child more than one medicine containing acetaminophen at a time.
•Choose the right over-the-counter medicine based on your child’s weight and age. If a dose for your child’s weight or age is not listed on the label or you can’t tell how much to give, ask your pharmacist or doctor what to do.
•Never give more of an acetaminophen-containing medicine than directed.
•If the medicine is a liquid, use the measuring tool that comes with the medicine - not a kitchen spoon.
•Keep a daily record of the medicines you give to your child. Share this information with anyone who is helping care for your child.

•If your child swallows too much acetaminophen, get medical help right away, even if your child doesn’t feel sick. For immediate help, call a Poison Control Center or call 911.

Developed by Dr. Jeff Aramini, a former Health Canada senior public health epidemiologist, Health & Safety Watch is a science and technology organization designed to help Canadians get the most up-to-date and accurate information on all types of health and safety recalls, warnings, and advisories.