The concentration and dosing of acetaminophen infant drops is changing. Currently, infants are usually given concentrated infant drops, which have 80 mg per 0.8 ml; it comes with a 0.8 ml dropper. Children’s liquid, however, is less concentrated and contains 160 mg per 5 ml (1 tsp.). There is concern that parents may confuse the two and give the wrong dose, which could result in an overdose of acetaminophen, which can be quite harmful. The manufacturers are voluntarily changing the infant drops to the same concentration as the children’s liquid. The enclosed dropper and the doses by weight will therefore change.
One very big problem with this is that for a year or two BOTH products will be on store shelves, and the dose to give an infant will depend on whether it is the old or the new formula. I think that in the long term the change may lessen the chances of giving the wrong dose; however, for a few years I think the chances are going to be much higher and it is going to be confusing to parents. Parents need to check very carefully which concentration they are using and use the right dosing chart for the concentration they have.