What Is Children's Acetaminophen Used For?

Children's acetaminophen is used for treating minor aches and pains associated with toothaches, the common cold and flu, sore throat, and headaches. It can also be used to reduce fevers. Children's acetaminophen uses are approved for children ages 2 to 11, but junior acetaminophen is also available for children ages 6 to 12.

Children's Acetaminophen Uses: An Overview

Children's acetaminophen (Children's Tylenol®) is an over-the-counter (non-prescription) medication used as a pain reliever and fever reducer. In particular, it is approved for treating minor aches and pains due to the following problems:
 

What Is Children's Acetaminophen Not Used For?

Every bottle of children's acetaminophen warns of a few situations in which you should not give children's acetaminophen to your child. These situations include:
 
  • If a fever gets worse or lasts for more than three days
  • If pain gets worse or lasts for more than five days
  • If swelling or redness is also present
  • If new symptoms occur
  • If a sore throat is severe, lasts more than two days, or is accompanied by a fever, headache, rash, nausea, or vomiting.
     
These situations may indicate a more serious problem that should be evaluated by your child's healthcare provider. Children's acetaminophen is not necessarily dangerous in these situations, but you should not use the medication instead of seeing your child's healthcare provider. Also, children's acetaminophen is not the best choice for children with liver disease, since it may cause further liver damage.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;
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