Acetaminophen Pediatric Dose Selection

Abstract

Acetaminophen-associated liver toxicity remains a serious concern, but guidance regarding dose selection is ambiguous, and the literature describing acetaminophen efficacy and toxicity in pediatrics is limited. Clinical investigation and reporting are needed. This study investigates caregiver satisfaction with 2 commonly prescribed dose levels. This nonrandomized, open-label, outpatient study included 37 moderately febrile pediatric patients prescribed acetaminophen at either 10 or 15 mg/kg every 4 hours. Patient caregivers indicated how well the acetaminophen reduced fever by completing a 5-point Likert scale. A 2-sample t test determined whether a statistically significant difference in satisfaction scores existed. Sufficient statistical power was achieved, and the mean satisfaction scores for both groups were not significantly different. Although further studies using more precise and objective end points are needed to provide optimal evidence-based guidance for acetaminophen pediatric dose selection, the findings in this study suggest that prescribers should consider a starting dose of only 10 mg/kg for moderately febrile pediatric patients.