Important Drug Information

The expiry date information appears stamped on the product packaging with an “EXP” followed by the month (as a number or an abbreviation) and year of expiry. For example, EXPMA06 would indicate the product expires in May, 2006.

Using products beyond their expiration dates is not recommended.

The pain relieving ingredient in TYLENOL^® products, works by elevating the body’s overall pain threshold, so that you feel less pain and reduces your fever by blocking the body’s production of prostaglandins, which are naturally occurring chemicals that cause fever.

The safety and efficacy of the pain relieving ingredient in TYLENOL^® products (acetaminophen), has been established in over 150 clinical studies and is supported by over 50 years of clinical use.  When taken as directed, TYLENOL^® pain reliever is one of the safest pain relievers consumers can use. TYLENOL^® is also the brand doctors and pharmacists recommend most for relief of pain.

The Medical Post's & L'actualite medicale's 2009 / 2010 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations; Drugstore Canada's & L'actualite pharmaceutique's 2009 / 2010 Survey on OTC Counselling & Recommendations

Children under 6 years: If you have children under the age of 6 years, do not use OTC cough cold medicines in such children. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat your child’s cold. Single-ingredient pain relievers and fever reducers such as Infants’ and Children’s TYLENOL^® are still recommended.

Children 6 to under 12 years: McNeil Consumer Healthcare’s pediatric cough and cold medicines continue to include dosing information for children age 6 years and older. As per the new Health Canada labeling guidelines for pediatric cough and cold products, dosing is now based on age exclusively rather than both age and weight.

We have now revised all labels for children’s TYLENOL^® cough and cold medicines to align with the new dosing guideline. If you were previously using a lower dose (one intended for a 2-5 year old) for a child 6 years of age and older and are now concerned about administering a higher dose; please consult your healthcare professional. However, please be assured that dosing in the 6-12 year age group has not changed. When used as directed, children’s cough and cold medicines are safe and effective.

The following cough and cold medicines should only be used in children age 6 -12 years:

Children’s TYLENOL^®

• Children's TYLENOL^® Cold
• Children's TYLENOL^® Cold & Cough
• Children's TYLENOL^® Cold & Cough Nighttime
• Children's TYLENOL^® Cough & Runny Nose
• Children's TYLENOL^® Decongestant
• Children's TYLENOL^® Cold & Cough (Cold DM)
• Junior Strength TYLENOL^® Cold & Cough (Cold DM)

The label changes do not apply to single-ingredient pain reliever/fever reducers such as Infants’ and Children’s TYLENOL^® (acetaminophen) and Infants’ and Children’s MOTRIN^® (ibuprofen).

McNeil Consumer Healthcare is committed to working with Health Canada to continue to provide parents and caregivers with appropriate treatment choices for children.

For More Information: Consumers or retailers who have questions or concerns about the medicines described in this communication should contact the Information Centre at 1-800-265-7323.

If you have children under the age of 6 years, do not use OTC cough cold medicines in such children. Talk to your doctor about other ways to treat your child’s cold. Single-ingredient pain relievers and fever reducers such as Infants’ and Children’s TYLENOL^® are still recommended.

Click here for more information

Click here for more information on products that can be given to  Infants 0-24 months

Click here for more information on products that can be given to Children 2-5 years

You can also try these other ways to soothe your child’s symptoms:

• Rest - As simple as it sounds, making sure your child gets plenty of rest is one of the best ways you can help them feel better.
• Fluids - Giving them plenty of fluids can help ease congestion, cool a fever, and soothe a scratchy throat.
• Moist Air - Using a cool mist humidifier will keep air moist, which can help clear your child’s clogged nasal passages. Just be sure to clean the humidifier often to avoid spreading germs.

For children 6 years and over, non-prescription children’s cough and cold medicines, including Children’s TYLENOL^® cough and cold products, continue to be safe and effective when used as directed. Be sure to follow the dosing instructions carefully and never give your child two products containing the same medicinal ingredient. Ask a doctor, physician, or health care professional if you have questions about the correct use of any product.