If there were new information about a danger of acetaminophen, someone would be sure to tell us pediatricians. There's nothing on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, nor on the journal-review email list I subscribe to. Yes, acetaminophen can cause liver damage, usually in excessive doses or with excessive alcohol intake. But that's been known for years.

I think it's ironic, and a little annoying, that this current scare includes a recommendation to use "safe" ibuprofen instead of "dangerous" acetaminophen. In fact, ibuprofen, as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like aspirin, carries a similar risk of causing Reye's syndrome when used for certain viral illnesses such as influenza or varicella (chickenpox). And the incidence of necrotizing fasciitis -- so-called "flesh-eating bacteria disease" -- which is often seen as a complication of chickenpox, is much higher among those who have been given ibuprofen compared with acetaminophen. So don't go switching teams just yet.

Mooman's links are excellent, especially the first, which is a very well-documented, balanced discussion of the pros and cons of anti-fever treatment and good information about acetaminophen toxicity.

By the way, BlueJay, alternating antipyretics is no longer recommended. And, as Mooman's first link clearly points out, the reflex use of antipyretics for fever is not necessarily good care. I personally think that giving Tylenol when a child is uncomfortable, with either fever or pain, is a kind thing to do. But fever itself isn't dangerous, and is usually there for a reason: to help the body fight infection.

Aloha,
Mark