Dosage Chart
The tables below provide recommended dosage charts for acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil). Here are some important general guidelines for using these products:
- We recommend acetaminophen/Tylenol as a first line treatment for pain and/or fever. If your child's response does not seem adequate, try ibuprofen as an alternative.
- You are treating your child, not a number on the thermometer. Your goal in treating a fever is to make your child comfortable, not to make the number lower.
- Whenever possible, use your child’s most current weight when choosing an appropriate dose of medication.
- Do not give both acetaminophen and ibuprofen to a child with fever. It is OK to “tag team” a dose of the second medicine on a one-time basis if you are having trouble making your child comfortable, but this should not be a recurrent procedure. Please discuss this with your physician.
- Temperature should be measured rectally in children under 6 months; ear (otic) thermometers should be reserved for children over the age of 6 months. An oral thermometer is not appropriate until your child can hold it under his tongue for several minutes without biting (usually around age 5).
- Never give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to an infant under 2 months of age. In addition, do not give ibuprofen to an infant under the age of 6 months without specific direction from a physician.
- Acetaminophen rectal suppositories can be purchased at your pharmacy without a prescription. They are helpful to have on hand in case your child has fever or pain and is vomiting and can’t keep down acetaminophen by mouth. Use K-Y Jelly or Vaseline to lubricate the suppository and insert in the child’s rectum every 4 hours as necessary.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Acetaminophen is available in the following forms:
- New Formula: Infants’ Tylenol or children’s liquid 160mg/5mL
- Children’s Chewable: 80mg/tab
- Junior Strength: 160mg/tab
- Adult regular strength: 325mg/tab
- Rectal suppository: Various doses
Safety Tips:
- Don’t give your child a larger amount of acetaminophen (Tylenol) than shown below too much of this medicine can cause an overdoese.
- Do not mix OTC cough and cold medications with acetaminophen. Only One Rule - DO NOT MIX.
- NEVER USE A KITCHEN SPOON WHEN MEASURING MEDICATIONS! Always use the measuring device that was enclosed in the package with the medicine.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol or other brand)
Give every 4 – 6 hours, as needed, no more than 5 times in 24 hours.
Always base the dosage on the weight not the child’s age!
Child’s Weight |
Child’s Age |
Old Formulation Infants’ Drops (DISCONTINUED) 80mg in each 0.8 mL |
Infants’ New Formulation or Children’s Liquid 160mg in 5 mL |
Children’s Chewables 80mg in each tab |
Junior Strength 160 mg in each tab |
6–11 lbs. (2.7 - 5.0kg) |
2-3 Months |
DO NOT USE |
Advised dose 1.25 mL |
||
12-17 lbs. (5.5 - 7.7 kg) |
4-11 Months |
DO NOT USE |
½ teaspoon (2.5 mL) |
||
18-23 lbs. (8.2–10.5 kg) |
12-23 Months |
DO NOT USE |
¾ teaspoon (3.75 mL) |
||
24-35 lbs. (10.9–15.9 kg) |
2-3 Years |
DO NOT USE |
1 teaspoon (5 mL) |
2 Tablets |
|
36-47 lbs. (16.4-21.4 kg) |
4-5 Years |
1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 mL) |
3 Tablets |
||
48-59 lbs. (21.8-26.8 kg) |
6-8 Years |
2 teaspoons |
4 Tablets |
2 Tablets |
|
60-71 lbs. (27.3-32.3 kg) |
9-10 Years |
2 ½ teaspoons |
5 Tablets |
2 ½ Tablets |
|
72-95 lbs. (32.7-43.2 kg) |
11 Years |
3 teaspoons (15 mL) |
6 Tablets |
3 Tablets |
If you have any questions regarding dosing please give us a call at 256-543-2894.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or another brand)
Ibuprofen is available in the following forms:
- Infant’s Drops: 50mg/1.25 mL
- Children’s Liquid: 100mg/5mL
- Children’s Chewables or Junior Tablets: 100mg/tab
Safety Tips:
- DO NOT GIVE THIS MEDICINE TO YOUR CHILD IF THEY ARE UNDER 6 MONTHS!!!
- Don’t give your child a larger amount of Ibuprofen than is shown in the table below. Too much of this medicine can cause an overdose.
- Do not mix OTC cough and cold medications with Ibuprofen!!
- NEVER USE A KITCHEN SPOON WHEN MEASURING MEDICATIONS! Always use the measuring device that was enclosed in the package with the medicine.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or another brand)
Give every 6-8 hours, as needed, no more than 4 times in 24 hours
Child’s Weight |
Child’s Age |
Infants’ Drops 50mg/1.25 mL |
Children’s Liquid 100mg/5 mL |
Old Formulation Children’s Chewables 50 mg/tab |
Children’s Chewables or Junior Strength 100 mg/tab |
Less than 11 lbs. (5 kg) |
0-5 Months |
DO NOT USE |
DO NOT USE |
DO NOT USE |
DO NOT USE |
12-17 lbs. (5.5-7.7 kg) |
6-11 Months |
1.25 mL |
DO NOT USE |
||
18-23 lbs. (8.2-10.5 kg) |
12-23 Months |
1.875 mL |
Advised dose: ¾ of a teaspoon |
DO NOT USE |
|
24-35 lbs. (10.9-15.9 kg) |
2-3 Years |
1 teaspoon (5 mL) |
DO NOT USE |
1 Tablet |
|
36-47 lbs. (16.4-21.4 kg) |
4-5 Years |
1 ½ teaspoon (7.5 mL) |
DO NOT USE |
1 ½ Tablets |
|
48-59 lbs. (21.8-26.8 kg) |
6-8 Years |
2 teaspoons (10 mL) |
DO NOT USE |
2 Tablets |
|
60-71 lbs. (27.3-32.3 kg) |
9-10 Years |
2 ½ teaspoons (12.5 mL) |
DO NOT USE |
2 ½ Tablets |
|
72-95 lbs. (32.7-43.2 kg) |
11 Years |
3 teaspoons (15 mL) |
DO NOT USE |
3 Tablets |
If you have any questions regarding dosing please give us a call at 256-543-2894.