Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosage Table

‍When to Use: Treatment of fever and pain.

Caution: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be found in many prescription and over-the-counter medicines. Read the labels to be sure your child is not getting it from 2 products. If you have questions, call your child’s doctor.

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Table Notes:

• Age Limits. Don't use under 12 weeks of age unless told by child's doctor. Reason: fever in the first 12 weeks of life needs to be seen now. If present, your baby needs a medical exam now. Exception: Fever starting within 24 hours of vaccines if child is 8 weeks of age or older. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 2008).
• 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 better to use than teaspoons. If possible, use the syringe or dropper that comes with the medicine. If not, you can get a med syringe at a drug store. 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.
• How Often. Repeat every 4-6 hours as needed. Don't give more than 5 times a day.
  
• Adult Dose. 650 mg
• Brand Names. Tylenol, Feverall (suppositories), generic acetaminophen
  
• Meltaways. Tabs that dissolve come in 80 mg and 160 mg (jr. strength)
• Suppositories. Come in 80, 120, 325 and 650 mg. The rectal dose is the same as the dose given by mouth.
• Extended-Release. Do not use 650 mg oral products in children. Reason: they are every 8-hour extended-release.
  

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Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) Dosage Table

When to Use. Treatment of fever and pain.

Table Notes:

• Age Limits. Don't use under 6 months of age unless told by your child's doctor. Reason: safety not established and not approved by FDA. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 2008).
• 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.
  
• Infant Drops. Ibuprofen infant drops come with a syringe.
  
• How Often. Repeat every 6-8 hours as needed.
  
• Adult Dose. 400 mg
  
• Brand Names. Motrin, Advil, generic ibuprofen
  

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Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) Dosage Table

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 4 years old. If under 6 years, don't give products with more than one ingredient in them (FDA recommendation 2008).
• 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. 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.
  

Author: Barton D. Schmitt, M.D., FAAP
Copyright 1994-2015 Barton D. Schmitt, M.D. All rights reserved.

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