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Dosing

Acetaminophen Dosing (Tylenol® or another brand)

Give every four to six hours, as needed, no more than five times in 24 hours (unless directed to do otherwise by your healthcare provider)

Weight of child Age of child Children's liquid or suspension
1 tsp (5mL) = 160mg		 Children's tablets
1 tablet = 80mg		 Junior strength
1 tablet = 160mg
6–11 lbs (2.7–5 kg) 0–3 mos      
12–17 lbs (5.5–7.7 kg) 4–11 mos Advised dose*:1/2 teaspoon    
18–23 lbs (8.2–10.5 kg) 12–23 mos Advised dose*:3/4 teaspoon    
24–35 lbs (10.9–15.9 kg) 2–3 yrs 1 teaspoon (160 mg) 2 tablets  
36–47 lbs (16.4–21.4 kg) 4–5 yrs 1½ teaspoons (240 mg) 3 tablets  
48–59 lbs (21.8–26.8 kg) 6–8 yrs 2 teaspoons (320 mg) 4 tablets 2 tablets
60–71 lbs (27.3–32.3 kg) 9–10 yrs 2½ teaspoons (400 mg) 5 tablets 2½ tablets
72–95 lbs (32.7–43.2 kg) 11 yrs 3 teaspoons (480 mg) 6 tablets 3 tablets

 

Ibuprofen Dosing  (Advil®, MOTRIN® or another brand)

Give every six to eight hours, as needed, no more than four times in 24 hours (unless directed to do otherwise by your healthcare provider).

 

Weight of child Age of child Infant drops
1.25mL = 50mg		 Children's liquid or suspension
1 tsp (5mL) = 100mg		 Children's tablets
1 tablet = 50mg		 Junior strength
1 tablet = 100mg
under 11 lbs(5kg) under 6 mos

NO MOTRIN < 6
months

      
12–17 lbs (5.5–7.7 kg) 4–11 mos 1.25 mL      
18–23 lbs (8.2–10.5 kg) 12–23 mos 1.875 mL      
24–35 lbs (10.9–15.9 kg) 2–3 yrs   1 teaspoon (100 mg) 2 tablets  
36–47 lbs (16.4–21.4 kg) 4–5 yrs   1½ teaspoons (50 mg) 3 tablets  
48–59 lbs (21.8–26.8 kg) 6–8 yrs   2 teaspoons (200 mg) 4 tablets 2 tablets
60–71 lbs (27.3–32.3 kg) 9–10 yrs   2½ teaspoons (250 mg) 5 tablets 2½ tablets
72–95 lbs (32.7–43.2 kg) 11 yrs   3 teaspoons (300 mg) 6 tablets 3 tablets
 

Medications and Dosages to Reduce Pain and Fever

WARNING: If you're also giving your child over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as cold preparations, be aware that these may contain pain or fever reducers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Be sure to read all OTC medication labels carefully to ensure your child is not receiving more acetaminophen or ibuprofen than recommended.

  • Ask your health care provider or pharmacist which formulation is best for your child.
  • Give dose based on your child's weight. If you don't know the weight, give dose based on your child's age.
  • Do not give more medication than recommended.
  • If you have questions about dosing or any other concern, call your clinic or health care provider.
  • Always use a proper measuring device. 
    • For example:
      • When giving infant drops, use only the dosing device (dropper or syringe) enclosed in the package.
      • When giving children's suspension or liquid, use the dosage cup enclosed in the package. If you misplace the dosage cup, consult your health care provider or pharmacist for advice. (Kitchen spoons are not accurate measures.)

Discontinued OTC Medications

Please be aware that the following cold remedies are no longer recommended and are now unavailable for use in children under 2 years of age:

  • Dimetapp® Decongestant Plus Cough Infant Drops
  • Dimetapp® Decongestant Infant Drops
  • Little Colds® Decongestant Plus Cough
  • Little Colds® Multi-Symptom Cold Formula
  • Pediacare® Infant Drops Decongestant (containing pseudoephedrine)
  • Pediacare® Infant Drops Decongestant and Cough (containing pseudoephedrine)
  • Pediacare® Infant Dropper Decongestant (containing phenylephrine)
  • Pediacare® Infant Dropper Long-Acting Cough
  • Pediacare® Infant Dropper Decongestant and Cough (containing phenylephrine)
  • Robitussin® Infant Cough DM Drops
  • Triaminic® Infant and Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant
  • Triaminic® Infant and Toddler Thin Strips Decongestant Plus Cough
  • Tylenol® Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold
  • Tylenol® Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold
  • Tylenol® Concentrated Infants’ Drops Plus Cold and Cough