Final answer:
The acetaminophen suspension for infants acts as a pain reliever, and not as an antibiotic, antihistamine, or steroid. Acetaminophen is effective in relieving pain and reducing fever, but is only weakly anti-inflammatory. Proper dosing is important to avoid potential liver damage, especially in infants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Active Ingredient in Infant's Acetaminophen Suspension
An acetaminophen suspension for infants contains acetaminophen, which is a pain reliever. This medication does not contain antibiotics, antihistamines, or steroids. Acetaminophen is known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties, providing relief from pain and fever. It is part of a larger class of drugs that includes anti-inflammatory drugs, but unlike them, acetaminophen has only weak anti-inflammatory effects. It is crucial to administer the correct dosage of acetaminophen to infants, as the infant formula is more concentrated than medications for older children and adult dosages can be dangerous for infants.
When selecting a medication for children, it is important to know that acetaminophen and NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are the two types of OTC pain relievers available. Overuse of acetaminophen can lead to serious health risks such as liver damage, especially when combined with alcohol or when given in higher than recommended doses.