What Is Children's Acetaminophen Used For?

How Does Children's Acetaminophen Work?

Even though acetaminophen has been around for quite a while, it is not fully understood exactly how it works. It is known that acetaminophen works differently from any other non-prescription medication. Most other non-prescription pain relievers or fever reducers are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Both NSAIDS and acetaminophen block the body's production of prostaglandins (naturally occurring chemicals which cause inflammation and fever). However, while NSAIDS block prostaglandin production throughout the body, acetaminophen appears to do so just in the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Acetaminophen may also work by blocking pain signals from nerves (or preventing such signals from forming).

 

Children's Acetaminophen Age Range

Children's acetaminophen is approved for children 2 to 11 years old. Junior acetaminophen is approved for children ages 6 to 12. Children ages 6 to 12 can also take regular strength acetaminophen tablets.