The following are general guidelines for dosing of some of the most common medications.
Recommended Doses of Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- For infants less than 3 months of age, please always call the office before giving Acetaminophen for fevers
- Indications: fever, pain
- Frequency: may repeat dosage every 4-6 hours as needed
| Child's Weight | Children's Liquid
(160 mg/5 mL) | Chewable Tablets
(80 mg) | "Junior" Chewable
Tablets or Capsules (160 mg) |
| 6-11 lbs | - | - | - |
| 12-17 lbs | 2.5 mL (.5 teaspoon) | - | - |
| 18-23 lbs | 3.75 mL (.75 teaspoon) | - | - |
| 24-35 lbs | 5 mL (1 teaspoon) | 2 tablets | - |
| 36-46 lbs | 7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons) | 3 tablets | - |
| 47-58 lbs | 10 mL (2 teaspoons) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 59-70 lbs | 12.5 mL (2.5 teaspoons) | 5 tablets | 2.5 tablets |
| 71-95 lbs | 15 mL (3 teaspoons) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |
Recommended Doses of Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin)
- Indications: fever, pain
- Age Range: Age 6 months and up (do not use for infants less than 6 months of age unless directed by your doctor)
- Frequency: may repeat dosage every 6-8 hours as needed
| Child's Weight | Infant Drops
(50 mg/1.25 mL) | Children's Liquid
(100 mg/5 mL) | Chewable
Tablets (50 mg) | Chewable Tablets
or Capsules (100 mg) |
| 12-16 lbs | 1.25 mL | 2.5 mL (.5 teaspoon) | - | - |
| 17-21 lbs | 1.875 mL | 3.75 mL (.75 teaspoon) | - | - |
| 22-32 lbs | 2.5 mL | 5 mL (1 teaspoon) | 2 tablets | - |
| 33-43 lbs | - | 7.5 mL (1.5 teaspoons) | 3 tablets | - |
| 44-54 lbs | - | 10 mL (2 teaspoons) | 4 tablets | 2 tablets |
| 55-65 lbs | - | 12.5 mL (2.5 teaspoons) | 5 tablets | 2.5 tablets |
| 66-87 lbs | - | 15 mL (3 teaspoons) | 6 tablets | 3 tablets |