Medicine Dosages
Acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, Feverall)
Do not give Tylenol to an infant that is less than two months old without first speaking to a physician. If your infant is less than two months old and has a fever >100.4 degrees rectally, call our office immediately.
If your child is over two months of age, you can safely give him or her acetaminophen for fever or discomfort. Do not give Tylenol for more than 72 hours without discussing your child's condition with our office.
Formerly, concentrated infant drops with a concentration of 80mg/0.8ml were available for use in babies. Due to concerns about accidental overdose, these preparations have been replaced with infant acetaminophen that is the same concentration as children's liquid, the only difference being the dispensing method included in the box (syringe vs. cup). However, some stores may still be selling the older version. We ask that you avoid purchasing the concentrated infant drops.
PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK THE CONCENTRATION ON YOUR BOTTLE TO KNOW WHICH STRENGTH YOU ARE USING PRIOR TO GIVING IT TO YOUR CHILD.
Acetaminophen Dosing Chart
Acetaminophen can be given safely every 4-6 hours as needed. Do not give more than 5 doses in a 24 hour period.
1 teaspoon = 5 mL
| Weight | Milligram Dosage | Children's Liquid 160mg/5mL or Infant Acetominophen 160mg/5mL | Children's soft chews 80mg each | Junior strength caps or chews 160 mg each |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-8 lbs | 40 mg | 1.25 mL (1/4 tsp) | N/A | N/A |
| 9-10 lbs | 60 mg | 1.8 mL (1/3 tsp) | N/A | N/A |
| 11-16 lbs | 80 mg | 2.5 mL (1/2 tsp) | N/A | N/A |
| 17-21 lbs | 120 mg | 3.75 mL (3/4 tsp) | N/A | N/A |
| 22-26 lbs | 160 mg | 5 mL (1 tsp) | 2 tablets | 1 tablet |
| 27-32 lbs | 200 mg | 6.25 mL (1 1/4 tsp) | 2 1/2 tablets | N/A |
| 33-37 lbs | 240 mg | 7.5 mL (1 1/2 tsp) | 3 tablets | 1 1/2 tablets |
| 38-42 lbs | 280 mg | 8.75 mL (1 3/4 tsp) | 3 1/2 tablets | N/A |
| 43-53 lbs | 320 mg | 10 mL (2 tsp) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 54-64 lbs | 400 mg | 12.5 mL (2 1/2 tsp) | 5 tablets | 2 1/2 tablets |
| 65-75 lbs | 480 mg | 15 mL (3 tsp) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
| 76-86 lbs | 560 mg | 17.5 mL (3 1/2 tsp) | 7 tablets | 3 1/2 tablets |
| 87-95 lbs | 640 mg | 20 mL (4 tsp) | 8 tablets | 4 tablets |
| >95 lbs | Adult dosage | Give Adult Dosage | Give Adult Dosage | Give Adult Dosage |
Dosing chart for Acetaminophen suppositories
You will notice these doses tend to be a little higher than if given orally. This is safe for two reasons:
- Suppositories are absorbed less consistently than an oral dose.
- Suppositories are meant for short-term use (just while your child can't tolerate oral intake) and giving a little higher dose for one day will not be harmful.
Doses are every 4-6 hours.
Suppository 120mg each
| Weight | Dose |
|---|---|
| 12-17 lbs | 1 suppository |
| 18-23 lbs | 1 1/2 suppositories |
| 24-37 lbs | 2 suppositories |
Suppository 325mg each
| Weight | Dose |
|---|---|
| 38-60 lbs | 1 suppository |
| 61-90 lbs | 1 1/2 suppositories |
| >90 lbs | 2 suppositories |
Questions about dosing? Please call our office at 630-848-1700.