Over 15 years ago, we learned that a major cause of acetaminophen overdose was using the wrong measuring spoon.  It is easy to mistake a tablespoon measure for a teaspoon, especially in the middle of the night.  While a single mistaken dose of many medications is not a big problem, a repeated overdose of acetaminophen can be a serious problem-causing liver failure. 

Since that time, pharmacists and pediatricians have strongly recommended using standard medicine spoons that are less confusing.  But still many people choose to use what they have at home.  A recent study looked at how well people could estimate what a teaspoonful (5 milliliters) looked like in standard spoons (soup spoons, serving spoons and others).  First, the researchers had a student pour out 5 milliliters (ml) of medicine into a 5 milliliter spoon, so they could see how much it was.  Then, they were asked to pour the same amount of liquid into other spoons, one that would hold 15ml and the other 45ml. 

When pouring into the 15ml spoon, the amount poured was 8% too little, and in the 45ml spoon, it was 12 % too much.   The pourers were confident that they had poured the correct amount.  (And this was in the day, imagine the increase in errors if they had been tired parents awakened in the night by a crying child with a fever.)

So, the next time you buy liquid medication for your child, also get a medicine spoon.  Please.