What Is Infant Acetaminophen Used For?

How Does Infant 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 medications. 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).

 

Infant Acetaminophen Age Range

Infant acetaminophen drops are approved for use in infants and children up to age three. However, children ages two and older can use children's acetaminophen instead. The label on infant acetaminophen drops recommends that you contact your child's healthcare provider before using infant acetaminophen drops in children under two years old. While this seems a little odd, it is to ensure that your infant receives the proper dosage.