When your child is in pain or has a fever, do NOT use Tylenol. Tylenol, the brand name for acetaminophen, is a popular pain reliever, and it’s contained in many medications. Unfortunately, this is a drug that’s proven to be harmful to our health and especially dangerous for children.
The results of a six year study in the journal, Hepatology, point out the real dangers associated with Tylenol use. Researchers found that 42% of 662 cases of acute liver failure in 22 clinical settings were caused by acetaminophen poisoning, and 29% of the individuals suffering from acetaminophen toxicity died.
An over-reliance on Tylenol and overdosing with acetaminophen causes 56,000 emergency room visits, 26,000 hospitalizations and 458 deaths annually according to an article at MedScape.com.
Accidental overdosing happens when people exceed recommended dosages. Since it’s available over the counter, people believe Tylenol is “safe,” and taking a few extra can’t hurt. At the same time, a variety of medications contain acetaminophen, so it’s easy to take more than you’re realizing unintentionally. Yet even when it’s taken at the “correct” dosage, Tylenol causes changes in liver function in some people.
Tylenol is even more dangerous to kids than adults as their livers are smaller and they’re more susceptible to acetaminophen poisoning. Parents see pediatricians prescribe Tylenol regularly for fevers and other ailments, plus children’s Tylenol products are for sale at pharmacies everywhere. Yet the risks of giving children Tylenol aren’t outlined on packages, and it’s incredibly easy for parents to accidentally give their kids too high of a dose.
Giving children Tylenol is associated with more than potential liver problems or liver failure. Children who are given acetaminophen frequently are susceptible to an increase in allergic diseases including asthma, eczema and seasonal allergies. Several studies have also shown that kids who are given Tylenol after vaccinations are at an increased risk for developing behavioral and learning disorders.
Tylenol is now considered so potentially hazardous to our health, the FDA is currently considering restricting acetaminophen based on the recommendations of a health advisory committee. Lowering dosages, eliminating certain drugs that combine acetaminophen with other controlled medications, and placing a black box warning on prescription acetaminophen products’ labels are some of the restrictions being considered.
Parents who choose to rely on Tylenol for their children’s pain relief are putting their health at risk unnecessarily. There are safe, effective treatment options for fever and typical childhood aches and pains, including safe, natural remedies. Instead of putting your child’s health at risk in the name of making her feel better, consult with a holistic health care practitioner to discuss treatments that stimulate healing.
I’m struggling to find something to replace tylenol. I have a 9 month old and she’s only had tylenol when I can’t find any other solution, do you have any suggestions on something else to use?? What about fevers? any suggestions would be appreciated! btw, i love this blog!
Hi Jacqueline – Glad you’re enjoying the blog! Regarding pain relievers, I use Ibuprofen very sparingly and only when one of my children is in so much pain they can’t rest. A great home remedy for the discomfort of fevers is a lemon water soak for the feet. Basically, you squeeze lemons into hot water, wring out, wrap the child’s feet with the cloths and top with socks. This will help reduce the pain but allow the fever to run it’s course. Most fevers are functional, and shouldn’t be intentionally reduced.
Very interesting article about Tylenol. I do have a question. Unfortunately, when my daughter was 7 she developed Idiopathic Angioedema. She is now unable to tolerate any other pain relievers, no Motrin, NSAID’s, etc. As far as I know, Tylenol is the only thing I can give her for pain relief when she swells. Do you have any suggestions on a pain reliever I could try with her?