What are the side effects of acetaminophen in children?

Acetaminophen overuse in children may cause nausea and vomiting, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. However, the drug is generally safe to take when used as directed by the package label or physician.

Commonly used to reduce fever and treat mild to moderate pain, acetaminophen may also be combined with cough and cold medicines for multiple-symptom relief, though use of more than acetaminophen-containing medicine at the same time is not advised. Prolonged, excess use in children and adults may result in liver failure or death; acetaminophen poisoning is a leading cause of liver failure in the U.S., warns the FDA.