Drugmakers eliminate infant drops of key medicine

Johnson & Johnson and other makers of cold and fever medications say they will discontinue infant drops of medicines containing acetaminophen in an effort to avoid confusion that can lead to dangerous overdoses.

The industry association for over-the-counter medicine companies says its members will only sell a single formula for all children under the age of 12. Currently, J&J and other companies sell infant formulations that contain half the amount of acetaminophen as that found in regular children’s formula.

Acetaminophen is a ubiquitous pain reliever found in Tylenol, Nyquil and thousands of other medicines used to treat headaches, fever and sore throats. While safe when used as directed, acetaminophen is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S. and sends thousands to the emergency room annually.