From the Research
Safety of Acetaminophen for Infants
- The safety of acetaminophen for infants, particularly those with teething pain, is a topic of ongoing debate 1.
- A systematic review found that while acetaminophen is widely believed to be safe for use in infants and children, there is limited evidence to support its safety for neurodevelopment 1.
- The review noted that most studies on the safety of acetaminophen in infants had a short follow-up time and did not assess neurodevelopment 1.
Recommendations for Infant Teething Treatment
- A study on pharmacists' recommendations for infant teething treatment found that many would inappropriately recommend benzocaine-containing products despite warnings about the risk of methemoglobinemia 2.
- The study suggested that further education is needed to ensure that healthcare providers are aware of the potential harm of certain products for infant teething 2.
- Another study discussed the pediatric dosing of acetaminophen, recommending single doses in the range of 10-15 mg/kg at 4-hour intervals 3.
Acetaminophen Use in Children
- Acetaminophen is a commonly used medication in children for treating fever and pain, with its efficacy well accepted among clinicians 4.
- A review of the available evidence on the use of acetaminophen in children provided a framework to guide clinicians on its rational use 4.
- Another study reviewed the pharmacodynamics, indications, contraindications, and precautions for the use of intravenous acetaminophen in pediatrics 5.