Acetaminophen Doses For Children Could Be Changing

BOSTON (CBS/AP) - There may be some changes coming to children's versions of the popular pain reliever and fever-reducer acetaminophen.

Food and Drug Administration panels are considering adding dosage information for kids under age 2 and doses for all children would be based on weight, not age.

They'd also like to have a universal measuring cup for all children's formulas. Nearly all manufacturers have already taken those steps voluntarily, but an FDA regulation would make them mandatory.

CBS' Duarte Geraldino reports.

In any given week, one out of every eight American children is given acetaminophen.

"Ultimately, the goal that we're working for here is to make the use of these medicines safer for children," Dr. Daniel Frattarelli of the American Academy of Pediatrics told CBS Radio.

The Food and Drug Administration will meet next week to consider the changes.

While safe when used as directed, acetaminophen has long been subject to warning labels because of its potential to cause liver damage when overused.

(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)