Preventing Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen Overdoses
Acetaminophen/ Ibuprofen overdoses can occur in many ways. One way is that busy parents may forget to tell each other when they've given acetaminophen to their child. So the other parent may give the child another dose. Or you may not notice that you're giving your child two medicines that contain acetaminophen--one for fever and another for a stuffy nose. Many cough and cold medicines contain Acetaminophen/ Ibuprofen.

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Acetaminophen Overdose Symptoms

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain

• Appetite loss

• Coma

• Convulsions

• Diarrhea

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Sweating

• Upset stomach

• Vomiting

Note: Symptoms may not occur until 12 or more hours after the acetaminophen was swallowed.

* There is no home treatment. Seek immediate medical help.

 Ibuprofen Overdose Symptoms

* nausea

* vomiting

* stomach pain

* drowsiness

* black or bloody stools

* coughing up blood

* shallow breathing

* fainting

* coma.

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Time for a Medicine Cabinet Checkup?

• Be sure to look through your medicine supply at least once a year.

• Always store medicines in a cool, dry place or as stated on the label.

• Throw away any medicines that are past the expiration date.

To make sure no one takes the wrong medicine, keep all medicines in their original containers.    -U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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A few drug interaction cautions for some common OTC ingredients:

• Avoid alcohol if you are taking antihistamines, cough-cold products with the ingredient dextromethorphan, or drugs that treat sleeplessness.

• Do not use drugs that treat sleeplessness if you are taking prescription sedatives or tranquilizers.

• Check with your doctor before taking products containing aspirin if you're taking a prescription blood thinner or if you have diabetes or gout.

• Do not use laxatives when you have stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.

• Unless directed by a doctor, do not use a nasal decongestant if you are taking a prescription drug for high blood pressure or depression, or if you have heart or thyroid disease, diabetes, or prostate problems.

This is not a complete list. Read the label!
-The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a national organization representing companies dedicated to providing consumers with safe and effective over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and dietary supplements and the information to use them properly.

Consumer Healthcare Products Association
Publications Department

 * Know the difference between TBSP. (tablespoon) and TSP. (teaspoon). They are very different doses.