Correct Dosing of Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for Children
Notes:
Know the weight of your child. Medicine doses are determined by weigh in children.
Choose the appropriate type of acetaminophen for your child's weight. There are several options when choosing acetaminophen products and these options have different concentrations of medicine, meaning that one dose of one type of medicine may not equal one dose of another type.
Record the time and amount of each dose that you give. Acetaminophen may be given every 4-6 hours, with a maximum of 5 doses within a 24-hour period.
Do NOT give acetaminophen if your child is not uncomfortable from his/her fever. A fever is actually beneficial to helping the body fight illness and will encourage your child to slow down their activity level, which is another helpful tactic.
Do NOT give acetaminophen to children under 3 months of age. An infant 3 months or younger with a fever needs to be evaluated by a physician.
Measurement Facts:
ml = mL = cc
5cc = 5ml = 1 tsp
Acetampinophen Products:
Infants' Formulations -- OLD: Infants' Concentrated Drops - 80mg/0.8ml. NEW (as of 7/2011): Infants' Oral Suspension - 160mg/5ml. Each comes with a special dropper or syringe to be sure your child gets the correct dose.
Children's Suspension (Liquid or Elixir) -- 160mg/5ml, can be measured with a teaspoon or a plastic measuring cup that comes with the bottle. May need to use a measuring syringe for younger children.
Suppositories -- 80, 120, 325, and 650mg; may be cut in half to get the desired dose. Acetaminophen suppositories must be kept in the refrigerator.
Children's Soft Chews (chewable tablets) -- 80mg each; child must be able to chew without choking. Tablets can be broken in half to give 40mg.
Junior Strength Chewable Tablets -- 160mg each; be sure to note the difference in strength between the children's chewable and the junior chewable.
Adult Strength Tablets/Caplets -- 325mg or 500mg each; DO NOT give to children younger than 12 years of age.
Adult Strength Tablets/Caplets Extended Release -- 650mg each; DO NOT give to any child, as these are an 8 hour extended release medication.
Give every 4 to 6 hours, as needed, no more than 5 times in 24 hours. Consult your doctor if fever persists for more than 3 days or pain lasts more than 5 days.
Please click here for a table explaining the correct dose for children based on weight.
