Acetaminophen toxicity in children

Acetaminophen is widely used in children, because its safety and efficacy a re well established. Although the risk of developing toxic reactions to ace taminophen appears to be lower in children than in adults, such reactions o ccur in pediatric patients from intentional overdoses. Less frequently, ace taminophen toxicity is attributable to unintended inappropriate dosing or t he failure to recognize children at increased risk in whom standard acetami nophen doses have been administered. Because the symptoms of acetaminophen intoxication are nonspecific, the diagnosis and treatment of acetaminophen intoxication are more likely to be delayed in unintentional cases of toxici ty. This statement describes situations and conditions that may contribute to acetaminophen toxicity not associated with suicidal intentions.