SILVER SPRING, Md. (AP) -- Federal health experts say dosing instructions for children younger than 2 years old should be added to Children's Tylenol and similar products containing acetaminophen, the popular pain reliever and fever reducer.
A panel of Food and Drug Administration advisers voted 21-0 in favor of adding doses for babies and toddlers to over-the-counter acetaminophen formulas. The FDA has convened a two-day meeting to consider changes that will make the formulas safer and easier to use. The products under discussion include Johnson & Johnson's Children and Infants' Tylenol, Novartis' Triaminic and other brands.
These products have never contained dosing information for children under 2 to encourage parents to seek medical attention for sick infants.
But the FDA's panel said the lack of information contributes to confusion and can cause accidental overdose.