Acetaminophen poisoning in infancy

Am J Dis Child. 1983 Apr;137(4):386-7. doi: 10.1001/archpedi.1983.02140300064018.

Abstract

Acetaminophen is widely used in children of all ages, and overdosage from this medication is common. Although severe hepatotoxicity from over-dosage occurs in adults, acetaminophen seems to have a wide margin of safety in younger children. This has been ascribed to altered pharmacokinetics in this age group. We report two cases in which severe acetaminophen-induced hepatoxocity occurred in two infants. Neither infant reportedly received potentially toxic dosages, by history, but toxic drug levels were present in both.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acetaminophen / metabolism
  • Acetaminophen / poisoning*
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male

Substances

  • Acetaminophen