General considerations for when and how to take children's acetaminophen include the following:
Children's acetaminophen is different from infant acetaminophen, and the dosing is different. Make sure to carefully check which product you are using.
Children's acetaminophen comes in two different forms for children ages 2 to 11 years old: chewable tablets or orally disintegrating tablets, and suspension (liquid). Junior strength acetaminophen chewable tablets and orally disintegrating tablets are also available for children ages 6 to 12.
Children's acetaminophen and junior strength acetaminophen chewable tablets are either chewable or quickly dissolve in the mouth, without the need for water. They are very helpful in children with trouble swallowing tablets.
Children's acetaminophen suspension should be shaken well just before each dose. Use the dosing cup provided with the medication to measure the correct dose.
Acetaminophen can be taken with or without food. If the drug seems to bother your child's stomach, try having your child take it with a little food.
Make sure you know exactly how much medication to give your child and exactly how to measure the dose. If you are not sure, ask your child's healthcare provider.
It is important to keep track of how much children's acetaminophen you give your child, as it is easy to give too much (see Tylenol Poisoning). It is important to remember that acetaminophen (the active ingredient of children's acetaminophen) is found in many medications (both prescription and non-prescription).
For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed.
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