Don't make these mistakes when giving your baby paracetamol (Acetaminophen)!

As a mother and father, no matter how much we take care of our little children, we cannot prevent them from getting sick or getting minor injuries. So, when a child gets sick or feels unwell, we all try to reduce their pain and discomfort. One of the most popular medicines we use to reduce fever and pain in times like these is paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen. But you need to be very careful when giving this medicine to children, especially young babies. If the dosage is even slightly off, big problems can arise.

So what is paracetamol given to these little babies?

Simply put, this is a medicine that can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription, and is used to reduce fever and relieve pain in children. The active ingredient in this medicine is acetaminophen. We find these under various brand names such as Tylenol, Panadol, Calpol. Usually, 5 milliliters (ml) of paracetamol syrup given to young children contains 160 milligrams (mg) of acetaminophen.

It's very common for us to give this medicine to children. As long as the correct dosage is given, it's very safe, and it's very effective in reducing fever and pain. That's why doctors also recommend it.

We usually use paracetamol in situations like these:

• Cold, fever
• Viral fever like influenza
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Teething pain

Let's know exactly the types and differences of paracetamol?

Although paracetamol is the same medicine, it comes in different forms and strengths. There are different types manufactured for adults, older children, and infants.

• For adults: These come in the form of tablets, capsules, sachets to drink, and rectal suppositories. Some tablets contain 325mg, while some 'extra strength' tablets contain 500mg. There are also medicines that combine paracetamol with other painkillers, such as ibuprofen. Some cough and cold medicines may also contain paracetamol.

• Children's Paracetamol: These are usually made for children between the ages of 2-11. They come in syrup and chewable tablets.

• Infants' Paracetamol: These are liquids made for babies under 3 years of age. They come with a plastic syringe to measure the exact amount of medicine.

An important difference between infant and pediatric paracetamol

In the past, that is, before 2011, the concentration of paracetamol syrup given to young babies was higher. That is, there was more medicine in a smaller amount of liquid. But the concentration of the syrup given to older children was lower. Because of this, parents did not need to give their babies a large amount of liquid when giving medicine.

But the difference in these two concentrations has led to several very unfortunate incidents. Some parents, out of ignorance, have given babies the same dose of the higher-concentration syrup as older children. The result has been that babies have overdosed, developed a dangerous condition called acetaminophen toxicity, and had to be hospitalized.

Following these events, since 2011, the world's leading pharmaceutical companies have decided to produce both infant and children's paracetamol syrups at the same concentration (160 mg/5 ml).

The correct dosage of paracetamol to give to a child

The amount of paracetamol your child needs is determined by their body weight, not their age . This is the most important thing.

Do not give paracetamol to babies under 12 weeks (3 months) without the advice of a doctor.

The table below shows the dosage of paracetamol syrup, which is usually 160mg/5ml, based on the child's weight. Although these are general recommendations, always follow your doctor's instructions.

Very important:

• This dose can be given once every 4-6 hours .
• Do not give more than 4 doses within 24 hours for any reason.
• Do not use kitchen teaspoons to measure medicine. Always use the syringe or measuring cup that comes with the medicine.

Risks of Overdose of Paracetamol

Taking too much paracetamol is dangerous for anyone of any age. There is a limit to how much paracetamol our liver can handle. Exceeding that limit can lead to liver damage, liver failure, and even death.

There are two main ways children can develop this condition:

1. Overdose by mistake: Giving more than the prescribed amount or giving the medicine again before 4 hours have passed.

2. Giving several types of paracetamol-containing medicines at the same time: For example, giving paracetamol syrup for a fever, and then giving another syrup for a cold (which may also contain paracetamol) a short time later.

Symptoms of Paracetamol Overdose

If your child has any of these symptoms , take them to a hospital's emergency department (ETU) immediately.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Loss of appetite and excessive fatigue
• Dark urine, blood in the urine, or decreased frequency of urination
• Confusion, excessive sleepiness, loss of consciousness
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
• Difficulty breathing

In the hospital, treatment depends on how long the child has been taking the medication and the severity of the condition. Treatments include gastric lavage, administration of activated charcoal, and intravenous administration of the antidote N-acetylcysteine ​​(NAC).

When should you see a doctor?

Be sure to see a doctor in the following cases:

• If a baby under 3 months old has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• If the child's fever is higher than 104°F (40°C).
• If a child under 2 years old has a fever that lasts more than 24 hours.
• If a child over 2 years old has a fever that lasts more than 3 days.
• If the pain does not subside even after giving paracetamol.
• If the child shows signs of allergy such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the tongue, hands and feet (go to the ETU immediately).

If your child is taking medication for another medical condition (e.g. epilepsy, tuberculosis), be sure to consult your doctor before giving paracetamol.