What Is Infant Acetaminophen Used For?

Infant acetaminophen is used for treating fevers and minor aches and pains in children under three years old. Specifically, it is used for relieving pain caused by headaches, toothaches, sore throat, and the common cold or flu. While infant acetaminophen drops are approved for use in children up to age three, children age two and older can use children's acetaminophen instead.

Infant Acetaminophen Uses: An Overview

Infant acetaminophen (Concentrated Tylenol® Infants' Drops) 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 Infant Acetaminophen Not Used For?

Every bottle of infant acetaminophen warns of a few situations in which you should not give your child infant acetaminophen drops. These situations include:
 
  • If pain gets worse or lasts for more than five days
  • If a fever gets worse or lasts for more than three 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, which should be evaluated by your child's healthcare provider. Infant acetaminophen is not necessarily dangerous in these situations, but you should not use infant acetaminophen drops instead of seeing your child's healthcare provider. Also, infant acetaminophen is not the best choice for babies 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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