The Hazard
CLASS 1 WARNING: OVERDOSE RISK — CHILDREN’S COLD MEDICINE
The dosing cup included with this children’s cold medicine is mislabeled. The markings show “5 mL” at the line that is actually 15 mL — three times the intended dose. Parents following the dosing instructions with this cup are giving their children a triple dose of acetaminophen, which can cause severe liver damage.
45 adverse event reports, 8 children hospitalized for liver toxicity, 0 deaths. 620,000 bottles sold.
Why This Happens: Technical Breakdown
The dosing cup is a small plastic cup that comes shrink-wrapped to the bottle cap. During manufacturing, the cups were printed with graduated markings using an automated ink-jet printer. A calibration error on the printer shifted all the markings — the line labeled “5 mL” is actually at the 15 mL level.
A parent who measures out what they think is a 5 mL children’s dose is actually giving 15 mL — three times the recommended amount. For a child under 6, this amount of acetaminophen can overwhelm the liver’s ability to process it, leading to acute liver injury within 24 hours.
Affected Products
Check your product against the following:
- KidCare Multi-Symptom Cold + Flu Liquid — 4oz bottle (grape flavor)
- KidCare Multi-Symptom Cold + Flu Liquid — 8oz bottle (grape flavor)
- Lot numbers: KC-2025-G001 through KC-2025-G450
- Sold at CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Dollar General, 2025-2026
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Sentinel Action Plan
- 🛑 STOP: Stop using this medicine immediately. Throw away the mislabeled dosing cup. If your child recently received a dose using this cup, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
- 📸 DOCUMENT: Photo the bottle, lot number, and the dosing cup markings. Note any doses already given.
- 📞 ACT: Return to the pharmacy for a full refund. If your child shows signs of liver distress (yellow skin, dark urine, loss of appetite), go to the ER immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already gave my child a dose — should I be worried?
Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 right away. They will assess based on your child’s weight and the amount given. A single overdose may be manageable, but repeated overdoses are more dangerous.
Can I use the medicine with a different measuring tool?
Yes, but ONLY use a proper oral dosing syringe from a pharmacy. Do not use kitchen spoons. Make sure you are measuring the correct dose for your child’s weight.
What are the signs of acetaminophen overdose?
Early: nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite. Within 24-48 hours: pain in the upper right abdomen, dark urine, yellowing of skin or eyes. Seek emergency help immediately.
Can I get compensation?
If your child was hospitalized due to the mislabeled dosing cup, you may be entitled to compensation. Use our free Legal Rights Assessment above.
Legal Rights Assessment
This recall involves severe, life-threatening safety risks. If you or a family member suffered injuries or property damage, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation.
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