American Association of Poison Control Centers Applauds Over-the-Counter Drugmakers for Acetaminophen Concentration Changes
For Immediate Release
May 6, 2011
Alexandria, Va. – The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports the industry-wide initiative by over-the-counter pharmaceutical manufacturers to standardize the acetaminophen dose in pediatric products.
The decision is aimed at preventing acetaminophen dosing errors.
“Acetaminophen dosing errors are a rare but potentially very severe adverse event that could lead to liver failure or even death for kids,” said Richard Dart, MD, PhD, president of the American Association of Poison Control Centers. “This decision will lessen the chance that parents will give their children the wrong dose.”
Drug companies have traditionally produced liquid acetaminophen formulations in 160 mg/5 mL strength for children, but more concentrated products for infants. By creating one formulation, drugmakers hope to eliminate confusion over dosing.
Poison centers, through the National Poison Data System (NPDS), have been instrumental in providing data to drug manufacturers and the federal government about poison exposures including exposures to acetaminophen.
In 2010, pediatric acetaminophen product dosing errors accounted for 2.8 percent of the 270,165 therapeutic errors reported to NPDS.
“We applaud over-the-counter drugmakers for being proactive in their efforts to reduce dosing errors,” Dart said. “We are happy to see drug manufacturers come together to make these important products even safer for consumers.”
Contact: Jessica Wehrman
(703) 894-1863
About the American Association of Poison Control Centers:
The American Association of Poison Control Centers supports the nation’s 57 poison centers in their efforts to treat and prevent poisoning. Poison centers offer free, confidential medical advice 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you have questions about poisons, or you believe you’ve been exposed to something that could be bad for you, call your poison center at 1-800-222-1222.