Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Dosing Tables forFever and Pain in Children
It is crucial to prioritize the management of their fever and discomfort. Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, is a frequently chosen remedy for parents in such situations. However, determining the appropriate dosage based on your child’s age and weight can be challenging. Let’s look into our Infant Tylenol Dosage Guide to ensure the safe administration of this medication.
Infantu Tylenol Dose guide: Understanding Dosages by Weight
Liquid Form (160 mg/5 mL)
- 6-11 lbs: 1.25 mL
- 12-17 lbs: 2.5 mL
- 18-23 lbs: 3.75 mL
- 24-35 lbs: 5 mL
- 36-47 lbs: 7.5 mL
- 48-59 lbs: 10 mL
- 60-71 lbs: 12.5 mL
- 72-95 lbs: 15 mL
- 96+ lbs: 20 mL
Liquid Form (160 mg/1 tsp)
- 12-17 lbs: ½ tsp
- 18-23 lbs: ¾ tsp
- 24-35 lbs: 1 tsp
- 36-47 lbs: 1½ tsp
- 48-59 lbs: 2 tsp
- 60-71 lbs: 2.5 tsp
- 72-95 lbs: 3 tsp
- 96+ lbs: 4 tsp
Chewable Tablets (160 mg)
- 24-35 lbs: 1 tab
- 36-47 lbs: 1½ tabs
- 48-59 lbs: 2 tabs
- 60-71 lbs: 2.5 tabs
- 72-95 lbs: 3 tabs
- 96+ lbs: 4 tabs
Adult Tablets
- 48-59 lbs: 1 tab
- 60-71 lbs: 1½ tabs
- 72-95 lbs: 2 tabs
- 96+ lbs: 1 tab (500 mg)
When to Use Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is a reliable solution for addressing fever and pain in children, providing relief for conditions such as colds or teething discomfort.
Infant Tylenol Dose guide Cautionary Note
In 2023, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended liquid, chewable, and tablet forms of acetaminophen be made in just one strength (160 milligrams [mg]). Some manufacturers have recently made chewable tablets into a single strength of 160 mg. Infant drops are no longer available. Liquid syrup acetaminophen is available as 160mg/5mL. Dissolvable powder packs are available for children ages 6-11 years old and 48-95 pounds. Pediatric acetaminophen products on store shelves can continue to be used as labeled.
Age of child
Do not use acetaminophen under 12 weeks of age unless your pediatrician advises otherwise. Fever in the first 12 weeks of life should be recorded in a healthcare setting. If there is a fever, your baby will need to be checked to determine necessary tests.
Medicines with more than 1 ingredient
Avoid giving medicines with more than one ingredient to children less than 6 years of age. Multi-ingredient products should be avoided in children under 6 years of age.
Measuring the dose for liquid medicines
Use a syringe or tool that comes with the medicine for accurate measurement. If a tool does not come with the medicine, ask your pharmacist for one. Avoid using a kitchen teaspoon or tablespoon.
How often to give the medicine (frequency)
Acetaminophen can be administered every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Do not exceed 4 doses in 24 hours.
Oral disintegrating tablets
These are dissolvable tablets available in 80 mg and 160 mg (junior strength).
Suppositories
Acetaminophen is also available in 80, 120, 325, and 650 mg suppositories. The amount to give rectally is the same as the oral dose.
Extended-release
Do not give 650 mg oral extended-release products in children.
You can download a printable version of this chart at American Academy of Pediatrics:
https://downloads.aap.org/HC/EN/Acetaminophen_Pictographic_Dosing_Chart_download.pdf
