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Health Canada, an agency in Canada that is similar to the Food and Drug Administration, issued an advisory on Feb. 19, 2021, warning of multiple reports of children experiencing acetaminophen poisoning.[1] These incidents involved exposure to adult acetaminophen easy-to-swallow tablets, which are sold under the brand name TYLENOL and in multiple generic versions (usually in extra-strength dosage forms).
Easy-to-swallow acetaminophen tablets are designed for adults who may have trouble...
Health Canada, an agency in Canada that is similar to the Food and Drug Administration, issued an advisory on Feb. 19, 2021, warning of multiple reports of children experiencing acetaminophen poisoning.[1] These incidents involved exposure to adult acetaminophen easy-to-swallow tablets, which are sold under the brand name TYLENOL and in multiple generic versions (usually in extra-strength dosage forms).
Easy-to-swallow acetaminophen tablets are designed for adults who may have trouble swallowing regular pills, such as those who are recovering from a stroke or who have certain neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis. They often come in bottles that are designed to be opened easily, with no childproof caps. This makes the tablets easier to access, but it also increases the risk of unintentional exposure in children. Exposure to high doses of acetaminophen can result in liver damage, which may be fatal.
Additionally, the tablets are red and taste sweet, which may lead children to mistake them for candy.
If there are children in your household, you should take steps to protect them from unintentional exposure to this potentially deadly drug.
Always choose products with child-resistant packaging if you live with children and ensure that the cap is properly secured on the bottle after each use. Keep medications in a locked box or cabinet or somewhere children cannot see or reach.
Avoid taking the drug in front of children, as children often copy the actions of adults.
Symptoms of acetaminophen overdose include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. If you believe that your child has been exposed to an overdose of acetaminophen, contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
References
[1] Government of Canada. Recalls and safety alerts: Unintentional exposure of young children to adult acetaminophen tablets may pose serious health risks. February 19, 2021. https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2021/75029a-eng.php. Accessed March 6, 2021.
