[Paracetamol poisoning in infants aged less than six months: dosage errors].
In infants under 6 months of age, paracetamol overdose is usually due to dose confusion by caretakers. Recently, liquid formulations of this drug have been commercialized in larger,60-ml bottles. The syringe to measure the syrup in these new formulations is also bigger (5 cc versus 1.2-2 cc). We present six cases of 2-4-month-old infants mistakenly given an overdose of paracetamol, each from this new 60-ml formulation. These patients are especially susceptible to poisoning because of liver immaturity and require more aggressive management. To prevent this kind of poisoning, correct and clear information must be given to caregivers about drug dosage.
Fernández Landaluce
A
A
Urgencias de Pediatría, Hospital de Cruces, Barakaldo, Vizcaya, Spain. ana.fernandez@hcru.osakidetza.net
Mintegi Raso
S
S
Martínez González
M J
MJ
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000506:poisoning*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000506:poisoning*; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008508:Medication Errors
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000082:Acetaminophen