Be SAFE is a cooperation between the American Pharmaceutical Association and McNeil Consumer Products Company, makers of Children Tylenol. SAFE stands for: S: See the label for complete instructions. A: Ask a health care professional if you have questions. F: Follow the directions carefully. E: Enter time and amount of each dose given in a medication log for quick and easy reference.
Fever
A fever is a higher-than-normal temperature. When harmful organisms enter the body, it releases pyrogens, which are fever-producing substances in an effort to destroy these organisms. The normal temperature of a child varies due to time of day or activities that the child is involved in. There are four ways to take a child's temperature: 1. Rectally 2. Orally 3. Under the armpit 4. In the ear
Rectal temperatures are about one degree warmer and armpit temperatures are about one degree cooler than oral temperatures. A doctor should be contacted if the oral temperature is over 101ºF for more than 24 hours, if the oral temperature is 103º F or higher after fever-reducing medicine is given, if the fever runs for more than 3 days, if the child has convulsions, twitching, or shaking, or if the child has the inability to move or has a stiff neck. Medication The two most commonly used medications to lower a fever are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. While both are effective in lowering fevers, most doctors recommend giving an acetaminophen product (Children's Tylenol) to children with fevers. Aspirin, because of its association with Reye syndrome, should not be given before consulting a doctor. Children's Tylenol is gentler on the stomach than ibuprofen, which may also lead to an allergic reaction causing such effects as asthma, swelling, shock, or hives.
Products
Children's Tylenol Cold Plus
For temporary relief of coughs, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, minor aches and pains, headaches, and fever due to the common cold, hay fever, or other upper respiratory allergies. All doses of the product may be repeated every 4 to 6 hours, with up to 4 does in a 24 hour period. An AccuDose measuring cup is enclosed for convenience. It contains 160 mg of acetaminophen per 5 mL (one teaspoon). Junior Strength Tylenol Chewable Tablets
For the reduction of fever fast and effectively relieves the aches and pains of colds and flu, headaches, muscle aches, sprains, and overextension. All dosages may be repeated every 4 hours, but not more than 5 times daily. It contains 160 mg of acetaminophen per tablet. Infants Tylenol Suspension Drops
For temporary relief of fever and discomfort due to colds and flu, and of simple pain and discomfort due to teething, immunizations, and tonsillectomy. All dosages may be repeated every 4 hours, but not more than 5 times daily. It contains 80 mg of acetaminophen per .8 mL. Children's Tylenol Suspension Liquid
For temporary relief of fever and discomfort due to colds and flu, and of simple pain and discomfort due to teething, immunizations, and tonsillectomy. All dosages may be repeated every 4 hours, but not more than 5 times daily. For accurate dosage, use the provided measuring cup. It contains 160 mg of acetaminophen per 5 mL (one teaspoon).
Overdoses
Some of the signs of an overdose of acetaminophen are paleness, nausea, perspiration, vomiting, tenderness of the liver, mental confusion, jaundice, and abdominal swelling. The minimum toxic dose is approximately 150 milligrams of acetaminophen per 2.2 pounds of weight of a child. A 50-pound child will be poisoned after swallowing 50 children's tablets or 10 adult tablets. Some of the possible complications are severe liver damage, severe kidney damage, low blood sugar, or death with fatal doses. Acetaminophen
The chemical structure of acetaminophen is CH3CONH. The basic functions of acetaminophen are to relieve pain and to reduce fevers. Acetaminophen is rapidly and completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Peak plasma concentrations of the free and conjugated drug are achieved one half to one hour after administration. Measuring Devices
One should be careful when administering acetaminophen to a child. Kitchen spoons are not the same size as a tablespoon or teaspoon. If the parent is unsure of the size of the spoon, it is better not to use it. All liquid Children's Tylenol products now come with an AccuDose measuring cup to ensure that the proper amount is given to the child. (Information was compiled from the American Pharmaceutical Association and McNeil Consumer Products Company's national "Be Safe" program. The information contained herein should not be interpreted as complete. As with all medications, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.)