Medicine dosage chart
This chart can help you give your child the correct dosage in the event of a fever. Keep these things in mind:
- Never give a baby younger than age 3 months these drugs without talking to your doctor first.
- Your child's age is a guide, but his or her weight is the factor that determines how much medicine to give.
- Read the label first. There are different forms and concentrations. Don't confuse tablespoons and teaspoons.
- Always use the measuring device that came with the medicine, whether it's a dropper or a measuring cup.
Acetaminophen
The following table gives acetaminophen dosage guidelines by weight. It can be used for the different available commercial products including Tylenol®, Tempra®, Panadol and generics.
The concentration of medications for infants has changed. When determining the proper infant dosage, be sure to check the type of Tylenol or acetaminophen you have on hand. If you have questions, please contact your doctor.
Infant dose
|
Weight |
Age of child |
Dose |
Infant- Acetaminophen
Concentrated drops - "OLD" concentration
(80mg/ .8ml) |
Infant - Acetaminophen
Oral suspension- "NEW" concentration
(160 mg/5 ml)
|
|
6-11 lbs |
0-3 mos |
40 mg |
0.4 ml |
1.25 ml |
|
12-17 lbs |
4-11 mos |
80 mg |
0.8 ml |
2.5 ml |
|
18-23 lbs |
12-23 mos |
120 mg |
1.2 ml |
3.75 ml |
|
24-35 lbs |
2-3 years |
160 mg |
1.6 ml |
5 ml |
Dose for older kids
|
Weight |
Age of child |
Dose |
Children's Syrup
(160 mg/5cc) |
Chewables
80mg |
Chewables
160 mg |
|
36-47 lbs |
4-5 years |
240 mg |
1 1/2 tsp |
3 tabs |
|
|
48-59 lbs |
6-8 years |
320 mg |
2 tsp |
4 tabs |
2 tabs |
|
60-71 lbs |
9-10 years |
400 mg |
2 1/2 tsp |
5 tabs |
2 1/2 tabs |
|
72-95 lbs |
11 years |
480 mg |
3 tsp |
6 tabs |
3 tabs |
|
95+ lbs |
12 years |
640 mg |
4 tsp |
8 tabs |
4 tabs |
Ibuprofen
The following table gives ibuprofen dosage guidelines by weight. It can be used for both Children's Motrin® and Children's Advil® products.
|
Weight |
Dose |
Oral Drops
(50mg/1.25ml) |
Suspension
(100mg/5ml) |
Chewables
50 mg |
Chewables
100 mg |
Caplets
100 mg |
|
12-17 lbs |
50 mg |
1 dropper |
1/2 tsp |
|
|
|
|
18-23 lbs |
100 mg |
2 droppers |
1 tsp |
2 tabs |
1 tab |
|
|
24-35 lbs |
150 mg |
3 droppers |
1 1/2 tsp |
3 tabs |
1 1/2 tabs |
|
|
36-47 lbs |
200 mg |
4 droppers |
2 tsp |
4 tabs |
2 tabs |
2 caps |
|
48-59 lbs |
250 mg |
|
2 1/2 tsp |
5 tabs |
2 1/2 tabs |
2 1/2 caps |
|
60-71 lbs |
300 mg |
|
3 tsp |
6 tabs |
3 tabs |
3 caps |
|
72-95 lbs |
400 mg |
|
4 tsp |
8 tabs |
4 tabs |
4 caps |
|
This page is meant to provide reliable information consistent with the standard of care at the time of publication. It is not designed to be all inclusive nor is it intended to substitute for the individual advice and decision-making provided by your pediatrician. Oklahoma Pediatrics takes no responsibility for the all inclusive accuracy and content this page.
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