Prescription Errors of Al Khaja et al for Acetaminophen (Paracetamol) in Infants

 

Common errors in prescribing acetaminophen in infants:

(1) giving by more than 1 route (in countries using rectal dosing)

(2) prescribing "prn" (pro re nata)

(3) giving no or ambiguous instructions to the parents

(4) prescribing a dose q4h (6+ times per day) for several days

 

Additional errors may include:

(5) errors in calculating the dose based on weight

(6) exceeding maximum recommended daily dose

(7) failing to consider comorbid conditions and concurrent medications

 

The prescription should always clearly state:

(1) dose

(2) frequency

(3) duration