After concerns over the dosage instructions of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, the federal advisory panel has finally urged the dosage of Tylenol to be changed reflecting the weight of a child, an article in Medical News Today notes.
Although a child may be between 6-8 years old, which dosing instructions also correlate with 48-59 lbs on certain children’s Tylenol medications, a child may weigh more than the package lists for that age. Then what? How much medication do you measure out?
That is a common concern today since the average weight of a child has increased throughout the years. The federal advisory panel encourages packages and dosing to be changed to account for this, the site notes.
It is very easy to overdose on acetaminophen, a popular pain reliever for headaches, fever, and muscle aches. Common means resulting in overdose include (information provided by http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/225794.php):
-Improper measuring tools. This includes spoons which are commonly used to substitute the tablespoon.
-Little or no relief. If the medication is not working, more parents are apt to give their child more.
-In reach of children. If children can get their hands on it, then they probably will, mistaking if for a drink.
-Improper dosage instructions. Many children’s liquid medicines come with their own measuring cups, but according to studies, what is labeled as a 5 mL cup actually holds over 6 mL, leading nearly 70% of parents to distribute more liquid than allowed.
-Concentration Differences. Researchers have found children’s medications to be less concentrated than medication for infants, which are distributed through the use of droppers. In response to concerns, manufacturers will ask distributors and retailers to take the concentrated infant drops off shelves and replace them with new medications.
Just as acetaminophen overdose is very easy to do, the consequences can be serious as well, leading to liver failure among other dangerous conditions.
Keep your pharmaceuticals safe by transporting with Road Scholar Transport’s temperature protect reefers.
Failure to transport certain medications at specified temperatures can lead to infected products that, in return, can cause health problems when consumed. With constant monitoring alerting of any change in the temperature of your freight, as well as the toughest security features on the market, you can rest assured that your products are safe in Road Scholar’s trailers.
Better yet, we will transport your pharmaceuticals in one of our many awareness trailers including The Children’s Craniofacial Foundation, The Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation, Autism Speaks, and many more. Visit www.roadscholarawareness.org to learn more as we move towards a cure.
Have you ever had an occurrence in which your freight was not transported at the appropriate temperature?
