Children’s Tylenol® (Acetaminophen) Dosages
NOTE: AGE LIMIT. Don’t use under 12 weeks of age.
Table Notes:
- Caution: In 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended liquid, chewable, and tablet forms of acetaminophen be made in just one strength. Since that time, manufacturers and retailers of pediatric acetaminophen have voluntarily worked to change the amount of acetaminophen in these medicines to one standard amount (160 milligrams [mg]). Some manufacturers have recently made chewable tablets into a single strength of 160 mg. Infant drops are no longer available. Liquid syrup acetaminophen is available as 160mg/5mL. Pediatric acetaminophen products on store shelves can continue to be used as labeled.
- Age limit: Do not use acetaminophen under 12 weeks of age unless directed by your pediatrician because fever during the first 12 weeks of life should be documented in a medical setting. If a fever is present, your baby needs a complete evaluation. (Exception: Fever from an immunization in a child 8 weeks of age or older. If present, please consult with your pediatrician.)
- Combination products: Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.
- Dosage: Determine by finding child's weight (in pounds) in the top row of the dosage table.
- Measuring the dosage (in metric units): Dosing syringes are more accurate than household utensils. Use the syringe or device that comes with the medication. If one does not come with the medication, ask the pharmacist for a medicine syringe. Household spoons are not reliable.
- Frequency: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don't give more than 5 times a day.
- Oral disintegrating tablets: These are dissolvable tablets that come in 80 mg and 160 mg (junior strength)
- Suppositories: Acetaminophen also comes in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg suppositories. The rectal dose is the same as the dosage given by mouth.
- Extended-Release: Avoid 650 mg oral extended-release products in children.
Motrin®/ Advil® (Ibuprofen) Dosages
NOTE: AGE LIMIT. Don’t use under 6 months of age.
Table Notes:
- Age limit: Don't use under 6 months of age unless directed by your child's pediatrician, because safety has not established and doesn't have FDA approval. Avoid multi-ingredient products in children under 6 years of age.
- Dosage: Determine by finding child's weight in the top row of the dosage table.
- Measuring the dosage (should be in metric units): Dosing syringes are more accurate than household utensils. Use the syringe or device that comes with the medication. If not available with the medication, medicine syringes are available at pharmacies. Household spoons are not reliable. Note: 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
- Ibuprofen drops: Ibuprofen infant drops come with a measuring syringe
- Adult dosage: 400 mg
- Frequency: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
Benadryl
NOTE: AGE LIMIT. Don’t use under 1 year of age.
When to Use: Treatment of allergic reactions, nasal allergies, hives and itching.
Table Notes:
- Age Limits: For allergies, don't use under 1 year of age. Reason: it causes most babies to be sleepy. For colds, not advised at any age. Reason: no proven benefits. It should not be given if under 6 years old.
- Dose: Find the child's weight in the top row of the dose table. Look below the correct weight for the dose based on the product you have.
- Measure the Dose: Syringes and droppers are more accurate than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at drug stores. If you use a teaspoon, it should be a measuring spoon. Reason: regular spoons are not reliable. Keep in mind 1 level teaspoon equals 5 mL and that ½ teaspoon equals 2.5 mL.
- Adult Dose: 50 mg
- How Often for Under 6 Years: Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed. (Exception: do not use under 1 year unless directed by provider).
- How Often for 6 Years and Older: Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed.
- How Often: Repeat every 6 hours as needed.
- Children's Benadryl Fastmelts: Each fastmelt tablet equals 12.5 mg. They are dosed the same as chewable tablets.
- Use in Countries Outside the U.S.: Dose tables are based on U.S. products. Concentrations may vary in countries outside the U.S. Always check the concentration is the same before using this dose table.