OTC pediatric liquid acetaminophen to come in only 1 concentration

Makers of OTC single-ingredient pediatric liquid acetaminophen will convert these products to just 1 concentration, according to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA).

The transition, which begins in mid-2011, means that the current children’s strength of liquid acetaminophen (160 mg/5 mL) will become the only liquid concentration available for all children less than 12 years of age, and the current concentrated infant drops will no longer be sold.

“CHPA member companies are voluntarily making this conversion to one concentration to help make it easier for parents and caregivers to appropriately use single-ingredient liquid acetaminophen,” said CHPA President and CEO Scott Melville. “We are committed to providing parents and caregivers with the tools and information they need to help give their children the right amount of these medicines.”

CHPA emphasizes that there will be a time period when both concentrations of infants’ acetaminophen liquid products &mdash the concentrated drops and the new 160 mg/5 mL concentration - will be available in stores and medicine cabinets.  It urges consumers to follow the label instructions and pay particular attention to concentration, especially when a healthcare provider gives dosing instructions.

The single-concentration liquid medicines will have additional enhancements to their age-appropriate dosing devices. Specifically, infants’ products will come with syringes for more accurate dosing and flow restrictors. Dosing cups will continue to be offered with children’s products for those 2 to less than 12 years of age.

Makers of these products will work with retailers during the transition to ensure that the more concentrated infant drops are removed from store shelves as the new products are introduced.