From the FDA Drug Label
WARNINGS Liver warning: This product contains acetaminophen. Severe Liver damage may occur if you take DIRECTIONS For Arthritis Pain Label • do not take more than directed (see overdose warning) adults DIRECTIONS For Muscle Ache and Pain label • do not take more than directed (see overdose warning) adults and children 12 years of age and over children under 12 years • do not use
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Risk of Acetaminophen for Relieving Infant Teething Pain
- The use of acetaminophen for relieving infant teething pain has been widely accepted, but recent studies suggest that its safety for neurodevelopment has not been established 1.
- A systematic review found that although acetaminophen is widely believed to be safe for infants and children, there is no evidence to support its safety for neurodevelopment, with most studies only monitoring liver safety 1.
- Another study found that the existing literature on treatments for teething symptoms is scarce and heterogeneous, with very low certainty of evidence, making it difficult to draw definitive conclusions on the efficacy of acetaminophen for relieving teething pain 2.
Alternatives to Acetaminophen for Teething Pain
- Some studies suggest that non-pharmacological treatments, such as teething rings, may be effective in relieving teething symptoms, with some physicians recommending these alternatives 3, 4.
- A survey of physicians found that while acetaminophen or ibuprofen was the most common recommendation for relieving teething symptoms, some physicians also recommended teething rings or other non-pharmacological treatments 4.
Safety Concerns with Acetaminophen
- Acetaminophen has been shown to be safe for liver health when used as directed, but its effects on neurodevelopment are still unknown 1, 5.
- Excessive use of acetaminophen can lead to hepatotoxicity and irreversible liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol 5.
- The FDA has warned against the use of benzocaine-containing products for infant teething treatment due to the risk of methemoglobinemia, highlighting the need for caution when recommending treatments for teething pain 3.