Intravenous (IV) acetaminophen was introduced in the United States in 2011 for use as an analgesic and antipyretic agent. While no studies have looked at its utilization specifically in the pediatric oncology population, existing literature suggests IV acetaminophen is safe and effective to use in both children and adults. This article aims to review and apply current data in evaluating whether or not children with cancer can safely benefit from its use. This article provides clinical indications, safety and efficacy profiles, and nursing implications along with recommendations for future study regarding the use of IV acetaminophen in this population.
Keywords: fever; intravenous acetaminophen; pediatric oncology.
© 2014 by Association of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses.