Academy tells docs common pain reliever can lead to overdoses

CHICAGO -- One of the most popular pain relievers for children is safe but so commonplace that potentially harmful overdoses may occur, according to new recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Because overdoses of acetaminophen, best known as Tylenol, can cause problems ranging from nausea to liver damage and even death, pediatricians should give parents written instructions on how to use it at all regular well-child check ups, the academy says.

The concern stems from the now dizzying array of over-the-counter products that contain acetaminophen plus other medicines, said Dr. Richard Gorman, chairman of the academy committee that created the guidelines.

"There's Tylenol for colds, Tylenol for cough and colds, Tylenol for flu," Gorman said. Parents "give their child something for fever, something for cold" for several days, which "can lead to toxic doses," Gorman said.

Dr. Steven Krug, head of emergency medicine at Children's Memorial Hospital in Chicago, said his hospital treats acetaminophen overdoses at least weekly. The most common scenario involves toddlers who figure out how to open the bottle, Krug said.