From the Research
The recommended dosage of Tylenol (acetaminophen) for infants is 10-15 mg per kilogram of body weight every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 5 doses in 24 hours, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. When administering acetaminophen to infants, it is crucial to use the measuring device provided with the infant formulation, which is typically 160 mg per 5 mL.
- Before administering any medication to an infant, consult with a healthcare provider for proper dosing guidance.
- It's essential to use only products specifically labeled for infants and to check the concentration on the bottle, as formulations may vary.
- Never use adult formulations for infants.
- Acetaminophen works by reducing fever and pain by affecting the temperature-regulating center in the brain and blocking pain signals.
- Overdosing can cause liver damage, so strict adherence to recommended dosages and careful measurement is essential, as highlighted in studies 2, 3, 4. The study by 1 used a mathematical model of APAP absorption to predict plasma concentrations and to compare them with the range required to reach and achieve antipyresis, providing strong evidence for the recommended dosage. Additionally, the study by 2 emphasizes the importance of using the recommended doses to avoid hepatotoxicity, which can occur with overdoses of more than ten times the recommended dose. It is also important to note that individual differences in drug bioavailability, volume of distribution, and absorption/elimination constants undoubtedly exist, and future studies directly measuring plasma APAP concentration and pharmacokinetics are needed, as suggested by 1.